The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, in collaboration with the World Bank-funded West Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP), officially launched a two-day Technical Workshop on Policy Coordination and Knowledge Exchange for Connectivity Market Integration in Abuja, Nigeria.
The high-level event convened key stakeholders from across the region, including representatives from ECOWAS Member States, national telecommunications regulators, regional institutions, private sector players, industry experts, and international development partners. The gathering aims to strengthen cooperation on harmonising policy and regulatory frameworks, enhancing broadband access, and addressing critical digital infrastructure gaps in West Africa.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Folake Olagunju, Acting Director of Digital Economy and Post at the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the significance of aligning national digital initiatives with the broader goals of the ECOWAS Digital Sector Development Strategy (2024–2029). She emphasized the need for deeper engagement, collective ownership, and actionable partnerships to drive the region’s digital transformation agenda forward.
“This workshop provides a timely platform for Member States and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, tackle regulatory disparities, and forge a shared pathway towards a fully integrated digital market in West Africa,” Olagunju stated.
The two-day technical workshop is expected to result in strategic recommendations to support policy alignment, improve cross-border connectivity, and expand digital services access to underserved communities, ultimately fostering inclusive economic growth across the ECOWAS region.
