French telecommunications firm Orange has begun with the construction of new headquarters in Côte d'Ivoire.

Stéphane Richard, Orange Group CEO, said the project will cost a total of CFAF28 billion (approximately US$50.4 million) and when completed will accommodate about 900 employees currently scattered in municipalities of Abidjan.

The project is expected to be completed within 24 months and officially open in November 2019.

Richard said the multi-million dollar investment signals the company's intention to maintain its presence within the Ivory Coast and West Africa.

"Côte d'Ivoire, given its size and economic dynamism, is the telecom market on which the Orange is increasingly considering to extend its services in the West African sub-region."

Bruno Nabagné Koné, the Ivorian Minister of Communication, Digital Economy and Post, said Orange has contributed extensively to the development of the country's national digital ecosystem.

Since 2015, the operator has invested CFAF 230 billion (US$414 million) in its operations in the country to improve connectivity and access for subscribers.

The minister said the investment has contributed to Côte d'Ivoire's improvement since 2015 on the ICT Development Index.