Fatim Cissé is shaping Côte d’Ivoire’s digital future through leadership at IHS Towers and tech firm, DUX.
Fatim Cissé is part of a growing group of women in technology leadership in Africa who are working to narrow the continent’s digital gap. With experience across multiple continents and academic exposure to leading global institutions, she has established herself as a model for innovation, digital transformation, and strategic leadership. Cissé began her professional career in Canada, where she held roles in human resources and organisational strategy for several firms. After returning to Côte d’Ivoire in 2011, she took on leadership roles at multinational companies including Ericsson and IHS Towers, where she served as Human Resources Director.
Bridging the digital divide
In 2018, she founded DUX Côte d’Ivoire, a consultancy dedicated to helping African businesses embrace digital transformation. The company provides services in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, big data, and data science, alongside customised training programmes aimed at upskilling local professionals.
Drawing on academic training from institutions such as the Université de Montréal, HEC Montréal, Harvard Business School, and Singularity University in Silicon Valley, Cissé designed DUX to address the unique digital challenges and opportunities facing African businesses. One of its notable initiatives is CRAELLA, a digital factoring platform that offers SMEs quicker access to financing—an area often neglected by traditional banking systems.
Leading at IHS Towers Côte d’Ivoire
In 2020, Fatim Cissé was appointed Managing Director of IHS Towers Côte d’Ivoire, becoming the first woman to lead the company in the country. IHS is among the region’s leading telecommunications infrastructure providers, managing over 2,679 towers.
Under her leadership, the company has been recognised for its workplace culture, receiving awards such as being named one of Côte d’Ivoire’s top employers. Internally, she has prioritised career development, staff training, and the integration of leadership programmes into the company’s HR policies.
Beyond operations, IHS Towers Côte d’Ivoire has expanded its community engagement under the businesswoman’s guidance. Projects have included supporting schools through the provision of computer labs and high-speed internet, as well as sponsoring youth technology initiatives, including the National Web Art Creativity Competition. These activities align with a broader goal to improve digital literacy and promote STEM education across the country.
Recognition
Fatim Cissé has received both national and international accolades for her contributions. In 2019, she was honoured as a Chevalier of the National Order of Côte d’Ivoire and appeared in Who’s Who in Côte d’Ivoire in 2019 and 2020. She also featured in the Choiseul 100 Africa ranking in 2021, highlighting young African leaders under 40.
Whether through her work at DUX or IHS Towers, Fatim Cissé continues to champion a digitally inclusive economy that empowers African businesses and communities to compete on a global stage.
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