ECOWAS Ministers Convene in Freetown to Discuss Digital Economy Strategies
On March 27, 2026, telecommunications and information technology ministers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gathered in Freetown for their 20th Ministerial Meeting. This hybrid event brought together participants both in-person and online, focusing on the vital role of digital transformation in the region’s development and greater integration.
The meeting marked the culmination of days of in-depth discussions by experts, which laid the groundwork for key issues presented to the ministers. This collective effort underscores a growing recognition in West Africa of the central role that digitalization plays in driving economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity.
Opening the meeting, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenye Valley, emphasized the transformative potential of digital infrastructure investments. He noted that enhancing digital capabilities is crucial for boosting productivity, improving public services, and creating opportunities for the region’s citizens. Valley stated that this conference is particularly significant as it aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s mandate within ECOWAS, specifically emphasizing digital transformation as a key focus that aims to create a community where young people and small businesses can thrive through cross-border trade.
Lacina Kone, Executive Director and CEO of Smart Africa, a pivotal partner in the initiative, echoed these sentiments by highlighting that successful digital transformation depends on regional cooperation, policy harmonization, and shared infrastructure. Reiterating the momentum of the Cotonou Declaration, Kone affirmed the ministers’ commitment to accelerating digital transformation through coordinated implementation and enhanced policy alignment, which ECOWAS is well-positioned to facilitate.
Dr. Habib Yaya Bappa, ECOWAS’s Honorary Commissioner for Internal Services, welcomed participants and acknowledged the importance of the meeting in addressing the evolving digital landscape. He thanked the Sierra Leonean government for hosting the event and praised how telecommunications, ICT, and the digital economy can catalyze regional development and integration. Bappa pointed out that West Africa is steadily modernizing its policy and regulatory frameworks, positioning the digital sector as a foundational pillar for socio-economic progress.
During this event, Bappa highlighted key regional achievements, including the establishment of cyber/ICT confidence-building measures and the operationalization of various initiatives such as an information sharing and analysis center, bilateral roaming agreements, and the ECOWAS position for international spectrum discussions. These advances reinforce the efforts to create a resilient and secure digital ecosystem throughout the region, supported by initiatives like the West African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance and enhanced digital forensics capabilities.
Her Excellency Salima Monolma Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, stressed the importance of interoperability in digital services across West Africa. She pointed out that while innovative systems have been established in Sierra Leone, the challenge lies in ensuring uniformity in digital payments and services across borders. Bah advocated for aligning data protection and cybersecurity policies to build a resilient, inclusive digital economy for all citizens in the ECOWAS region.
Vice President Mohamed Julde Jallow, who chaired the meeting’s opening ceremony, emphasized the importance of translating the discussions into actionable results that positively impact the regional populace. His remarks underscored the necessity of expanding access to technology, building digital trust, and ensuring that no demographic is excluded from the ongoing digital transition. Key policy and regulatory measures were discussed, focusing on creating a secure and cohesive digital environment among ECOWAS member states.
The meeting concluded with deliberations on initiatives to reinforce the region’s digital infrastructure and resilience, including the establishment of a regional cybersecurity coordination center and internet exchange points. These collaborative efforts aim to enhance connectivity and prepare the region to tackle emerging cyber threats effectively. The resulting recommendations from this meeting will pave the way for further progress in ECOWAS’s digital agenda, reflecting a collective determination among member states to forge a secure and inclusive digital future that meets the diverse needs of their citizens.
