The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a major step toward building a unified regional digital economy by finalizing the Draft Directive Governing Electronic Communications in West Africa.
The directive, which seeks to harmonize legal and regulatory frameworks across member states, was the focus of a three-day validation workshop held from September 22 to 24, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Key Stakeholders at the Workshop
The workshop was chaired by a representative of the Ministry of Communications Technology and Innovation of Sierra Leone and brought together:
- Ministries in charge of ICT and digitalization across ECOWAS member states
- National regulatory authorities
- Representatives of the WAEMU Commission
- Development partners, including the World Bank
The session was inaugurated by Ms. Folake Olagunju, Acting Director of the Digital Economy and Post, who delivered remarks on behalf of Mr. Sédiko Douka, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization.
Driving Growth Through Electronic Communications
In her address, Ms. Olagunju stressed that electronic communications are the backbone of the digital economy, noting that a coherent and forward-looking regulatory system is essential to encourage investment and foster innovation across the region.
The draft directive is the result of an inclusive process that began in 2019, led by the WAEMU Commission in collaboration with ECOWAS. Extensive consultations were held with stakeholders across member states to ensure the framework reflects regional aspirations and priorities.
The presence of WAEMU’s representatives at the workshop was cited as proof of strong collaboration and shared vision for West Africa’s digital future.
Support from Development Partners
The initiative is being supported by the World Bank through the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP), which aims to:
- Expand broadband access
- Promote cross-border digital market integration
- Build a stronger regional digital ecosystem
Next Steps and Broader Digital Policy Goals
The workshop agenda included refining the draft directive, ensuring alignment with national policies, and building consensus for ministerial approval.
Beyond electronic communications, ECOWAS is also preparing to address other critical digital issues identified during stakeholder consultations, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Facial Recognition
- Cybersecurity
- Personal Data Protection
- Digital Platforms
Ms. Olagunju called on participants to actively engage, emphasizing that the strength of the framework depends on inclusive contributions that will help shape a resilient, innovative, and inclusive digital future for West Africa.
Final Thoughts
The finalization of the ECOWAS Draft Directive on Electronic Communications marks a pivotal moment in regional digital integration. By laying the foundation for harmonized regulations, ECOWAS is positioning West Africa to attract investment, accelerate innovation, and expand access to digital opportunities across all member states.
