Lacina Koné

Lacina Koné
Alma materAjman University (BSc, 1993)
OccupationTechnology executive
Years active1990s–present
TitleDirector-General and CEO, Smart Africa

Lacina Koné is an Ivorian technology executive who serves as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Smart Africa, a pan-African initiative endorsed by the African Union to accelerate the continent’s digital transformation.[1][2]

Early life and education

Koné earned his bachelor’s degree from Ajman University in 1993 and later completed postgraduate studies in engineering and management.[3]

Career

Before joining Smart Africa, Koné served as Senior Adviser to the President and the Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire from 2011 to 2017, where he contributed to national ICT strategies and digital identity programs.[4] He became Director-General of Smart Africa in 2019 and has led major continental projects such as the Africa Smart Broadband 2025 Strategy and Smart Villages Program.[5]

Recognition

Koné has been featured by international organizations for his contribution to Africa’s digital policy ecosystem.[6]

References

  1. ^ "Mr Lacina Koné – Director-General, Smart Africa". Broadband Commission. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  2. ^ "Meet the CEO driving a €100 million plan for a single digital market across Africa". Business Insider Africa. 9 November 2025.
  3. ^ "Mr Lacina Koné biography". International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  4. ^ "Lacina Koné – Smart Africa". Global Cyber Security Forum (GC3B). Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  5. ^ "Africa in AI-mode: Focus on Conakry for the Transform Africa Summit 2025". Africa News Agency. 2025.
  6. ^ "Lacina Koné: Building a digital future that leaves no one behind". China Daily. 9 November 2025.