The ECOWAS Commission is conducting a three-day workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, from September 22 to 24, 2025, focused on finalizing a draft directive for electronic communications in West Africa. The goal of the directive is to create a unified legal and regulatory framework that will support the growth and development of the digital sector throughout the region.
The event brings together key stakeholders, including officials from Ministries responsible for ICT and Digitalization, national regulatory authorities from ECOWAS Member States, and representatives from the WAEMU Commission. The meeting was opened 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.
Ms. Olagunju emphasized: “Electronic communications are the backbone of the digital economy.” She underlined the need for “a coherent, forward-looking regulatory system to encourage investment and foster innovation.” According to Ms. Olagunju, the draft directive results from an inclusive process that started in 2019 under WAEMU’s coordination and involved broad consultations with stakeholders across member states. The document aims to reflect a wide range of aspirations from across West Africa.
She also acknowledged WAEMU’s partnership and leadership during the early stages of this initiative. The presence of UEMOA’s representative at the workshop was described as evidence of strong regional collaboration. Ms. Olagunju recognized support from the World Bank through WARDIP (Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program), which works to expand broadband access and promote digital market integration within West Africa.
During her address, Ms. Olagunju stated that the Commission is preparing further initiatives on important digital issues such as Artificial Intelligence, Facial Recognition, Cybersecurity, Personal Data protection, and Digital Platforms—topics identified during previous consultations with stakeholders.
She concluded: “Participants should actively participate and engage, as the strength of this framework will be shaped by the depth of your inputs which would go on to lay the foundation for a resilient, innovative and inclusive digital future for West Africa.”