Experts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gathered in Cotonou, Benin, from October 2 to 3, 2024. This meeting precedes the 19th Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers responsible for Telecommunications, ICT, and Digitalisation. The focus was on evaluating progress in telecommunications and ICT projects facilitated by the ECOWAS Commission and approving a digital sector development strategy for 2024-2029.
Approximately forty experts and technicians from Member States, the ECOWAS Commission, and partner institutions such as GIZ, the World Bank, and WATRA participated in this two-day technical meeting organized by the ECOWAS Digital and Posts Directorate.
The agenda included approving a digital sector development strategy document for the region covering 2024-2029. Participants also reviewed Regulation C/REG.21/12/17 concerning roaming on public mobile communications networks within ECOWAS and discussed recommendations to expedite its implementation.
Additionally, they examined the 2023 Digital Report for West Africa prepared by the ECOWAS Commission. A document on implementing cybersecurity confidence-building measures was also finalized for adoption at the upcoming ICT Ministers' meeting scheduled for October 4, 2024.
The opening ceremony featured several speeches. H.E. Amadou DIONGUE welcomed participants on behalf of H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Commissioner Sediko DOUKA. Mrs Folake OLAGUNJU highlighted: “The ECOWAS Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to digital transformation... We deeply appreciate the support of our valued partners.”
Engineer Saidu Adamu WAKIL officially launched the meeting as Representative of Nigeria's Minister responsible for Telecommunications. He stated that achieving an integrated communications network is feasible: “Eliminating high roaming costs... are essential to boost trade... As experts, we have a responsibility to explore innovative frameworks.”
ECOWAS aims to promote an inclusive digital economy focusing on favorable policies; broadband infrastructure; affordable access to ICT services; transformative services; cybersecurity; capacity building; and postal sector digital transformation.
To achieve these goals, various initiatives have been implemented in policy harmonization, broadband infrastructure development, cybersecurity enhancement, and regional digital transformation coordination.
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