The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the World Bank, through the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) programme, held a regional validation workshop in Accra, Ghana from June 24 to 27, 2025. The event brought together foundational identity agencies and service providers from WURI participating countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and Togo—as well as representatives from other ECOWAS Member States.
Participants reviewed and validated two key documents: the Stakeholders Assessment, Engagement and Management Strategy, and the Foundational Identification Systems Interoperability and Mutual Recognition of ID Credentials Strategy. The Stakeholders Strategy aims to map actors within foundational and functional ID ecosystems across these countries. The Interoperability Strategy is intended to help nations harmonize their approaches to ID systems interoperability and mutual recognition of credentials.
Ghana’s Minister of the Interior, Honourable Mubarak MOHAMMED-MUNTAKA, delivered the keynote address. He stated: “WURI represents our collective aspiration for a more inclusive and connected West Africa, where everyone counts.” He emphasized that identity is not only about legal recognition but also a fundamental human right enabling access to services, social protection, security, economic inclusion, and regional integration.
Mr. Emil Tesliuc of the World Bank called on participants to consider WURI’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal target 16.9 by 2030—to provide legal identity for all including birth registration—and highlighted its potential to create an interoperable ID system that promotes inclusion while reducing reliance on multiple single-use credentials that often disadvantage marginalized populations.
Mr. Abdourazakhe ABANI of Niger stressed the importance of regional integration principles for African nations’ survival. He encouraged active participation in developing instruments that will allow millions across borders to access basic services from both public and private sectors.
Representing H.E. Mrs Massandje TOURÉ-LITSE of ECOWAS, Mr. Albert SIAW-BOATENG said: “The Strategies were developed in such a manner that the accomplishments in the WURI participating countries are not infringed upon and they are coming to fruition at a time countries across the region are digitising their ID systems for improved service delivery, free mobility of persons, and regional integration.” He expressed hope that these strategies would benefit people, governments, and businesses alike.
The strategies were developed with input from lead identification agencies in Burkina Faso and Niger. They are expected to guide long-term digital transformation efforts related to identity management and service delivery in West Africa. The workshop concluded with recommendations urging advancement of digital agendas in the region due to their benefits outweighing risks. It was also recommended that ECOWAS and WURI participating countries adopt a progressive approach toward deploying interoperability solutions because member states have varying levels of development regarding foundational ID systems and digital economies.