On March 6, 2024, the World Bank announced the ECOWAS Commission's fulfillment of conditions for a Financing Agreement with the International Development Association, enabling the disbursement of a grant for the Digital Transformation for Africa/Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (DTfA/WARDIP)
DTfA/WARDIP aims to boost broadband access, foster digital market integration in Western Africa, and narrow the digital gap by enhancing internet affordability, stimulating service provider competition, and upgrading infrastructure. This initiative targets creating employment opportunities, extending services to 1.3 million individuals (including 50% women and people with disabilities), and promoting inclusivity.
The ECOWAS Commission, alongside The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, the African Union Commission, and the Smart Africa Secretariat, is a crucial partner in program implementation. With a US$10.5mn over five years, the Commission seeks to establish a unified regional digital market, foster cross-border collaboration, and support digital transformation and security initiatives in Western Africa.
Aligned with ECOWAS's digital economy vision, DTfA/WARDIP aims to leverage ICT for economic growth and inclusion, fostering a unified digital market for shared prosperity in the ECOWAS region. The grant will finance activities to strengthen legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks in the telecommunications and digital economy sectors, bolster ongoing regional initiatives for resilient network infrastructure deployment, enhance cyber resilience, and promote digital financial services, e-commerce, and e-government services, pivotal for regional integration efforts.
World Bank boosts western Africa's digital integration
World Bank declares ECOWAS Commission ready for grant disbursement, advancing digital integration in Western Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
