Ministers in charge of Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and Digitalisation from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in Freetown for their 20th Ministerial session. The meeting was held in a hybrid format, bringing together participants both physically in Freetown and virtually via online platform, and focused on advancing the region’s digital transformation and deepening regional integration.
After four days of technical deliberations by experts from member states, whose work helped identify the key issues presented to Ministers. It also shows a growing recognition across West Africa that digitalisation is central to economic growth, innovation, and inclusion.
Madam Kenyeh Ballay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development of Sierra Leone
Opening the session, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development of Sierra Leone, Madam Kenyeh Ballay, highlighted the broader development impact of digital transformation, mentioning that investments in digital infrastructure and services are essential to unlocking productivity, improving public service delivery, and creating opportunities for citizens across the region. “This meeting is particularly significant in that our President H.E Rtd. Brigadier Dr Julius Maada Bio holds the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government And Digital Transformation is central to one of HE Four Priority Areas of focus-Unlocking Economic Integration-Bearing in mind our vision of an “ECOWAS of People”. A harmonized digital market allows our youth, our entrepreneurs, and our SMEs to trade across borders as easily as they do within their own communities.” She said.
Mr. Lacima Konè, Director General and CEO of Smart Africa
Delivering his speech, Mr. Lacima Konè, Director General and CEO of Smart Africa, a key partner of ECOWAS, emphasized that a successful digital transformation must be grounded in regional coordination, policy harmonization, and shared infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of sustaining the momentum of the Cotonou Declaration, where Ministers endorsed their dedication to accelerating digital transformation through stronger regional cooperation, aligned policies, and coordinated implementation. In this context, ECOWAS plays a critical role.
Mr. Habib Yaya Bappah, the Honourable ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services
In his remarks, Mr. Habib Yaya Bappah, the Honourable ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, warmly welcomed participants to the 20th ECOWAS Ministers Meeting on Telecommunications, ICT, and Digitalisation. He expressed gratitude to His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Government and People of Sierra Leone, for their leadership in hosting the event, emphasized the transformative role of telecommunications, ICT, and the digital economy, and highlighted their potential to drive regional development, foster integration, and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation across West Africa. He noted the region’s steady progress in modernizing policies, laws, and regulatory frameworks, which have positioned the digital sector as a key pillar of economic and social development.
Mr. Bappah also mentioned concrete regional achievements, including the operationalisation of Cyber/ICT Confidence Building Measures, the establishment of an Information Sharing and Analysis Centre, bilateral roaming agreements, and the consolidation of ECOWAS Common Positions for international spectrum discussions. Institutional and technical advancements, such as the West African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance, Digital Forensics Laboratories, upgraded national CSIRTs, regional hackathons, and a harmonized e-government strategy, were highlighted as steps toward a more resilient, integrated, and secure digital ecosystem.
Madam Salima Monorma Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Sierra Leone
Making her statement, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation says West Africa’s digital future depends on our ability to move beyond isolated platforms toward a truly seamless regional ecosystem. “While we have built innovative systems in Sierra Leone, the real challenge lies in integration, ensuring our digital payments and services speak the same language across borders. By aligning our policies on data protection and cybersecurity, and collectively tackling the growing threat of disinformation, we are not just connecting technologies; we are securing a resilient and inclusive digital economy for every citizen in the ECOWAS region.”
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Officially opening the Ministerial discussions, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, who chaired the opening ceremony of this ministerial meeting, called for practical and forward-looking decisions that would translate regional commitments into real impact for citizens. He reiterated the need to expand access, strengthen digital trust, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital transition.
The Ministerial Council focused on a strategic suite of policy and regulatory instruments designed to unify and secure the digital landscape across ECOWAS Member States. Central to these discussions was the Revised Supplementary Act on Personal Data Protection, a framework aimed at safeguarding citizen information and building regional digital trust.
To strengthen collective resilience, Ministers reviewed updated cybersecurity protocols alongside a comprehensive Regional E-Government Strategy intended to modernize and expand access to digital public services. The session also prioritized practical integration efforts, including the harmonization of electronic communication regulations and the continued implementation of Regional Roaming frameworks. Collectively, these initiatives, which include work on Open Data and Cybercrime, represent a unified effort to establish a secure, interoperable, and globally competitive digital ecosystem for West Africa.
Throughout the discussions, there was a clear emphasis on turning policy into action. Ministers focused on practical steps to expand broadband access, build capacity, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and foster innovation ecosystems that can support long-term growth. This meeting’s outcomes will define the next phase of the ECOWAS digital agenda and are set for formal adoption by the relevant statutory bodies. These results reflect a renewed resolve among Member States to collaborate on a digital future that is secure, inclusive, and built to serve the actual needs of citizens. As the session concluded, the consensus was clear: West Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating. Through this strengthened cooperation, the region is now better positioned to fully capture the opportunities of the digital age.
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