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TRIP REPORT
Côte d'Ivoire National Issues
Bouaké and Abidjan
June 2-3, 1997
Jeffrey A. Cochrane
July 24, 1997
The USAID/AfricaLink Advisor visited Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire primarily to consult with the AfricaLink liaison at the West African Rice Development Association (WARDA) concerning AfricaLink's regional program. During the visit to Côte d'Ivoire, additional issues were encountered having to do with Internet development at a national level.
Internet Access in Bouaké

WARDA is preparing to make a significant investment in equipment and leased access lines for Internet and international telephone communications. This would be a private investment for the benefit of WARDA only. WARDA staff expressed an interest in investing this capital for the benefit of its neighboring Bouaké community, provided its own needs are met.
WARDA has joined with staff of RIO (Reseau Intertropical des Ordinateurs) in investigating how the major organizations in Bouaké might join their resources for collective benefit. A memorandum was shared with AfricaLink staff detailing the significant demand that exists there for Internet services.
The AfricaLink Advisor discussed this matter with the Leland coordinator in Abidjan, who indicated he would share the information with Leland staff. It might be possible for the Leland Initiative to coordinate the development of a major Internet hub in Bouaké using the financial resources of WARDA and others.
The Leland Initiative in Côte d'Ivoire

The AfricaLink Advisor paid a courtesy call on the local Leland coordinator. A brief discussion centered around national Internet issues, and including a briefing on AfricaLink's activities. In addition, the Advisor was introduced to Esther Addo of USAID/REDSO/WCA, who is keenly interested in Internet development and who may become further involved in USAID activities in this area.
Persons Visited:

Cheikhou Badio, Leland coordinator
Esther Addo, USAID/REDSO/WCA