Côte d’Ivoire strengthens digital advertising oversight for economic growth

Abidjan, June 3, 2026 – Authorities in Côte d’Ivoire are committed to modernizing the advertising sector, aiming to transform it into a significant engine for economic development. This commitment was underscored by Alassane Koné, technical advisor to the Minister of Communication and President of the Higher Council for Advertising (CSP), during the “Tout savoir sur” (TSS) exchange forum. The event, hosted by the Government Information and Communication Center (CICG) on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, highlighted crucial steps for the nation’s digital future.

In response to the profound shifts brought about by digital technology and the escalating challenges of advertising regulation, the CSP President emphasized that overseeing digital advertising now represents one of the institution’s primary hurdles. This focus on modernizing the sector is vital for robust African governance and ensuring fair practices across the continent.

Mr. Koné outlined three major obstacles to effective digital oversight: the blistering pace of digital technological advancements, the inherently cross-border nature of online platforms, and the critical need for highly skilled human resources to diligently monitor digital content.

“The digital realm evolves at a pace far exceeding traditional regulatory mechanisms,” explained the CSP President. He further highlighted the inherent difficulty for national authorities to govern platforms whose operations extend well beyond national boundaries, making a coordinated approach essential for English Africa news and regulatory bodies alike.

To proactively address these complex challenges, Mr. Koné revealed that Côte d’Ivoire has already taken a pivotal step forward. This includes the implementation of Law n°2022-979, enacted on December 20, 2022, which establishes the legal framework for audiovisual communication.

This landmark legislation now mandates that social media influencers with over 25,000 subscribers adhere to the same stringent rules that govern traditional audiovisual communication, with oversight provided by the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA).

The technical advisor to the Minister of Communication also stressed the imperative of safeguarding consumers from deceptive advertising content. To achieve this, he reiterated that Ivorian law requires all advertisers to submit their campaigns for prior validation by the CSP’s Control and Validation Commission (CCV).

Despite these measures, the CSP President expressed concern over the persistence of irregular advertising practices. He issued a stern warning that offenders face severe penalties, which can range from significant fines—between 3% and 5% of their turnover—to criminal prosecution, potentially leading to prison sentences of up to two months.

Currently, the national advertising market contributes less than 1% to Côte d’Ivoire’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating approximately 30 billion CFA francs. This figure stands in contrast to several neighboring countries that boast more substantial market performances, even with potentially less developed advertising ecosystems, underscoring the potential for growth and the importance of effective regulation.