(Ecofin Agency) - This initiative reflects ECOWAS’s commitment to a results-driven, people-centred digital transformation agenda. By laying the groundwork for a unified and inclusive digital market, the Commission aims to boost access to information, spur job creation, and enhance economic participation for millions across West Africa.

On 7 May 2025, the ECOWAS Commission, in partnership with the World Bank-funded West Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (WARDIP), officially opened a two-day Technical Workshop on Policy Coordination and Knowledge Exchange on Connectivity Market Integration. The high-level gathering brought together delegates from ECOWAS Member States, telecommunications regulators, regional institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders for a focused dialogue on accelerating broadband access and regulatory harmonisation across the region.

Ms. Folake Olagunju, Acting Director of Digital Economy and Post at the ECOWAS Commission, stressed the urgency of aligning national digital strategies with regional priorities, as outlined in the ECOWAS Digital Sector Development Strategy (2024–2029). She underscored the need to translate coordination into commitment, calling for stronger collaboration to bridge the digital divide and ensure affordable, inclusive connectivity across West Africa.

The workshop is a major step in implementing Axis 2 of the ECOWAS Digital Strategy, which focuses on building digital infrastructure and making broadband more affordable. It also aligns with Component 2 of WARDIP, which seeks to create a regulatory environment that attracts private investment, enables cross-border infrastructure, and supports regional digital integration.

Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, Rocío Sánchez Figueroa, Senior Digital Development Specialist and Task Team Leader for WARDIP, highlighted the pivotal role of regional bodies like ECOWAS in driving harmonised digital markets. She noted that international experience shows that regulatory alignment, strategic public-private investment, and strong institutions are vital for reducing broadband costs and unlocking economic opportunities.

Participants engaged in deep-dive discussions across five key themes: regional regulatory frameworks, broadband affordability, Universal Service Funds, the creation of a Regional Internet Exchange Point, and the use of satellite technology to reach underserved areas.

According to the World Bank, despite notable improvements, only 36 percent of Africa’s population had access to broadband internet in 2022. This limited connectivity reflects persistent divides in the availability of high-quality digital services, affordability challenges, and infrastructure gaps—especially in rural and underserved areas. The implication is profound: without targeted efforts to bridge these divides, millions remain excluded from the digital economy, education opportunities, health information, and other online services that are critical to social and economic development. Addressing these barriers is essential for inclusive growth and realizing the full potential of digital transformation across the continent.

Hikmatu Bilali