Lacina Koné is an Ivorian engineer, technology executive, and digital transformation advocate who has become one of Africa’s leading voices in building a connected and digitally empowered continent. He currently serves as the Director General and CEO of Smart Africa.
Born in Côte d’Ivoire, Lacina Koné built a distinguished career in telecommunications, information technology, and digital infrastructure development. He studied engineering and gained extensive experience working with governments, multinational organizations, and technology companies.
Before joining Smart Africa, he served in various executive positions, helping implement major ICT projects across Africa and contributing to policy development in digital transformation.
As CEO of Smart Africa, Lacina leads initiatives that unite more than 40 African countries around a shared vision of building a single digital market. His work focuses on broadband expansion, digital identity systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence adoption, digital skills development, and digital public infrastructure.
He strongly advocates collaboration among governments, private organizations, and international partners to accelerate Africa’s digital economy. Under his leadership, Smart Africa has become a major force in promoting digital inclusion and innovation across the continent.
Lacina Koné is widely respected for his efforts to ensure Africa remains competitive in the global digital economy.