Steve Tchouaga's ambition for the digital sector in French-speaking Africa is great. But it can be summed up in a single word: sovereignty. Who better than a passionate young player in the technology space to lead the countries of the sub-region towards digital independence?
A seat at the cloud table!
Steve Tchouaga was appointed Managing Director of ST Digital Côte d'Ivoire in late 2022. The company provides technology solutions to businesses. Since his appointment, he has moved swiftly to take a seat at the table alongside the major names in hosting and cloud services, in order to offer local and sovereign alternatives. The ongoing construction of ST Digital's data center at the VITIB in Grand-Bassam is the embodiment of this desire for sovereignty. Technology solutions developed by Africans, for Africans, and stored in Africa.
The message has been launched. It is the sine qua non condition for better developing our digital sector and transforming our countries into technology hubs, or even catching the innovation train. In fact, "data is the new blue gold," he says. He adds: "Therefore, it is important that governments and businesses understand that it matters to own their data and to be sovereign over it."
It is precisely through this step that the integration and proper functioning of artificial intelligence solutions, which are fuelled by data, takes place. According to him, mastering one's data not only enables a better response to the challenges of the digital economy, but also reduces dependence on foreign technologies.
Leitmotif: building infrastructure
Aware that artificial intelligence requires high computing capacities, Steve Tchouaga emphasizes investment in infrastructure. He acknowledges that "AI today demands phenomenal computing power to obtain real-time information and achieve near-human language capabilities". As a result, a GPU (graphics processing unit) was recently acquired by his company. The new CEO of ST Digital has the ambition to facilitate the use of advanced technologies and to support digital transformation projects in Côte d'Ivoire and beyond, across francophone Africa.
A professional career and vision focused on innovation
Before taking up his position in 2022, Steve Tchouaga led several projects in the sector. As Head of Innovation and Technology Watch at Camtel, he was able to identify trends and support digital transformation in Africa. His time at ALTETIA, where he led the Services & Organization Business Unit for nine years, also allowed him to develop solid expertise in project management and technological innovation. A passionate traveller, he remains curious about technological developments and opportunities on the continent.