Gertrude Koné Douyéré has over 35 years of experience in key leadership and management positions in both the public and private sectors in Côte d’Ivoire.
For more than 20 years, she has been specifically dedicated to the development of the digital sector in Côte d’Ivoire.
Her experience and expertise as both an operational and strategic manager at one of Africa’s Internet pioneers (Africa Online), as well as her leadership of two professional business organizations in the ICT and telecommunications sectors, have given her a clear vision and a deep understanding of the major issues, challenges, and dynamics of the digital sector in Côte d’Ivoire, across Africa, and globally.
These capabilities, combined with her in-depth knowledge of digital stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire, underpin her significant and impactful contributions to the development of national digital policies and strategies. These include the Electronic Communications Law, the Electronic Transactions Law, the draft e-commerce law, national strategies on Digital Transformation, Digital Inclusion, Cybersecurity, Spectrum Management, combating fraud in the telecoms/ICT sector, the National Export Strategy 2014–2015 for the ICT sector, among others. She is also involved in the development of subregional and regional regulatory frameworks and protocols.
As Head of the Executive Directorate of the National Union of Telecommunications Enterprises (UNETEL), Gertrude Koné Douyéré facilitates ongoing dialogue with public authorities, with particular focus on institutions responsible for digital affairs. Her work also aims to better inform all stakeholders (public administration, citizens, and businesses) about the challenges faced by telecom operators, as well as their commitment and actions toward the structural transformation of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy and society.
Within the Digital Commission of the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI – the Ivorian Employers’ Association), she focuses on bringing together stakeholders to promote a coordinated approach to the growth of the digital sector. She also works to build bridges between Ivorian actors and international digital ecosystems, and contributes to the development of digital talent pools capable of supporting the country’s digital transformation.
In addition to advocating for businesses in the sector, she is highly active in awareness-raising, information-sharing, and capacity-building initiatives.
In recognition of her contributions to the digital sector in Côte d’Ivoire, she was awarded the rank of Officer (2021) and later Commander (2025) in the Order of Merit of Posts and Telecommunications by the State of Côte d’Ivoire.
A graduate of the Abidjan School of Business (ESCA), she also holds several international certifications in IT and telecommunications, strategy and management, advocacy, and lobbying. She regularly participates as a panelist and speaker on topics related to digital transformation, management, and leadership at both national and international events.
She is also strongly committed to advancing women’s participation in the digital sector, promoting women’s empowerment, and supporting initiatives aimed at training and raising awareness among women through digital technologies.
