Iranian and Ivorian Ministers Discuss Ways to Boost Ties in ICT Sector

Iran’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology Sattar Hashemi and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation Djibril Ouattara discussed expanding cooperation in the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), held in Doha, Qatar, from November 9 to 27. Hashemi stated Iran’s readiness to share expertise in developing ICT infrastructure, particularly in artificial intelligence. Also in the joint implementation of fiber-optic projects, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding. Hashemi stressed the importance of cybersecurity and the exchange of solutions to counter cyberattacks. Ouattara noted the need to intensify joint efforts; the Ivorian ambassador to Tehran will follow up on the implementation of the agreements, and Iran’s proposal to host an Ivorian delegation was welcomed.

The Plenipotentiary Conference is the principal governing body of the ITU and is held every four years. PP-26, held under the motto “Together for a connected digital future,” brought together delegates from 194 member states, who will define the organization’s strategic vision through 2031 and elect its leadership for the next four years. The Iranian delegation, led by the ICT minister, is participating in the conference to strengthen technology diplomacy and advance the country’s interests in global ICT governance.

Tehran hosts meeting of African envoys to boost science, health cooperation

Earlier, on December 7, 2025, Iranian officials and ambassadors of 19 African countries met in Tehran to discuss cooperation in science, education, research, and healthcare. Nader Tavakoli, Chancellor of Iran University of Medical Sciences, stated that despite coercive sanctions, the country has achieved significant success in healthcare, and proposed creating a strategic medical alliance between Iran and African countries. The alliance’s main areas are combating tropical and endemic diseases, admitting African students and joint educational courses with dual accreditation, exchanging technical knowledge in the production of vaccines, biosimilars, and medical equipment, and expanding scientific ties between more than 60 universities and hundreds of research centers.

The following day, December 8, 2025, Iran’s ministries of health and foreign affairs, in a virtual meeting with Iranian ambassadors and attachés in Africa, discussed the potential for cooperation with African countries in healthcare. Deputy Health Minister for International Affairs Alireza Biglari announced the ministry’s readiness to implement decisions and operational plans. Assistant to the Foreign Minister and Director General for Africa Akbar Khosravi Nejad stressed the importance of Africa in Iran’s foreign policy, naming the healthcare system as one of the key sectors for cooperation.