Geospatial governance as a national asset in Côte d’Ivoire

In a recent interview with the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), Fernand Bale, director of CIGN within BNETD and former co-chair of UN-GGIM, outlined national priorities and global ambitions in Côte d’Ivoire. The nations is a prime example of the increasingly strategic role played by geospatial information in how countries plan cities, manage land and respond to risk.

Rather than following a conventional career path into geospatial science, Bale arrived there almost by chance. Trained in mathematics, he was admitted to France’s École Nationale des Sciences Géographiques, an experience that reshaped his professional direction. What began as a technical discipline quickly revealed a broader purpose: using location-based information to connect institutions, inform policy, and address real-world challenges.

That perspective now informs Bale’s work as director of the Centre d’Information Géographique et du Numérique (CIGN) within BNETD (Bureau National d’Études Techniques et de Développement) and his recent tenure as co-chair of the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM). In that role, he contributed to advancing global coordination on geodesy, standards and capacity building – areas that have become increasingly critical as countries seek interoperable, sovereign and policy-ready geospatial infrastructures.

Capacity building

The interview also sheds light on Côte d’Ivoire’s national priorities. Rapid urbanization, particularly around Abidjan, is creating urgent demand for current, accessible and locally relevant geospatial data. Bale outlines how updated land-use mapping, integration with the African Geodetic Reference Frame, flood-risk analysis using Earth observation, and digital initiatives such as BNETD Studio are supporting planning, environmental policy and public services. Capacity building for geospatial professionals remains a central theme throughout.

BNETD’s membership in OGC is described as a strategic step, strengthening technical capability and giving Côte d’Ivoire a voice in shaping global geospatial standards. Bale sees particular value in OGC’s role in training, knowledge transfer and regional engagement, including potential Francophone initiatives hosted in West Africa.

The full conversation offers a detailed and thoughtful perspective on how geospatial data, standards and cooperation translate into tangible societal benefits. Readers interested in the broader context, practical examples and Bale’s vision for the next five years are strongly encouraged to read the complete interview on the OGC website.