By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown 23rd March 2026- The Economic Community of West African States has officially begun its 20th Meeting of Ministers in charge of Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and Digitalisation in Freetown, starting with a three-day Experts Preparatory Session running from March 23 to 25, 2026.
The Experts Meeting sets the stage for the Ministerial Session scheduled for March 27, where key policy decisions are expected to be adopted to accelerate digital transformation across the region.
The high-level gathering has brought together ICT experts, policymakers, regulators, and development partners from ECOWAS Member States, all focused on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing West Africa’s digital economy.
Central to the discussions is the review of critical policy and regulatory instruments that will shape the region’s digital future. Experts are examining frameworks around data protection, cybersecurity, regional connectivity, e-government, and the broader goal of building a harmonised digital market across West Africa.
Among the key documents under review are the revised Supplementary Act on the Protection of Personal Data and the updated Directive on combating cybercrime. Delegates are also considering a draft Directive on electronic communications, as well as a proposed Regional e-Government Strategy aimed at improving public service delivery through digital platforms.
In addition to policy discussions, participants are reviewing feasibility studies for the establishment of a Regional Cybersecurity Coordination Centre and a Regional Internet Exchange Point (IXP), both seen as critical infrastructure for strengthening digital resilience and connectivity within the region. Progress on the implementation of regional roaming regulations is also being assessed, with the aim of reducing communication costs and improving cross-border connectivity.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, John Azumah, underscored the urgency of embracing digital transformation, describing it as essential for inclusive growth and deeper regional integration.
He noted that in a rapidly evolving global environment, digitalisation has become a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development, aligning with long-term regional ambitions as well as global development goals.
Also addressing participants, Folake Olagunju emphasized that the meeting goes beyond routine policy review, describing it as a defining moment in shaping West Africa’s digital future. She stressed that the instruments being refined will help position the region to remain competitive, secure, and inclusive in the global digital space.
She further reiterated the commitment of the ECOWAS Commission to driving a digital transformation agenda tailored to the region’s needs, while acknowledging the support of key partners including the European Union, World Bank, and West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly.
Representing the host country, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Stevenson Kakpaete Kamanda, said Sierra Leone is honoured to host the meeting and remains committed to expanding digital access and fostering innovation.
He highlighted the growing role of digital technologies in transforming governance, education, healthcare, commerce, and financial services, noting that these advancements are improving the quality of life for citizens while strengthening regional integration.
Development partners also reaffirmed their support for ECOWAS digital initiatives. Nina Siegert, speaking on behalf of the German Government, reiterated its commitment to supporting the development of secure, inclusive, and interoperable digital systems across the region.
She noted that Germany, alongside other European partners, is supporting reforms in data protection through initiatives aligned with the African Union’s data policy framework aimed at promoting trusted and sovereign digital ecosystems that enable countries to harness data while safeguarding citizens’ rights.
The Experts Meeting is expected to conclude with the validation and adoption of a report that will guide deliberations at the Ministerial level. Ministers will then review and adopt key policy instruments and strategic initiatives designed to accelerate the development of a unified digital economy within the ECOWAS region.
The outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting will subsequently be submitted to relevant ECOWAS statutory bodies for formal adoption, marking another step toward deeper digital integration across West Africa.
