ECOWAS Adopts Digital Roadmap; Targets Unified Single Market and AI Governance for West Africa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has wrapped up a landmark three-day high-level Thematic Dialogue in Lagos, unveiling a unified digital roadmap aimed at bridging the region’s technological divide and accelerating economic growth for its over 400 million citizens.
The summit, held from January 20 to 22, 2026, was described by organisers as a moment of “sober introspection” in the aftermath of the 50th anniversary of the ECOWAS Treaty. It convened policymakers, youth innovators and civil society actors to align regional technological ambitions with the long-term ECOWAS Vision 2050 framework.
A key outcome of the dialogue was a collective commitment to the creation of a Regional Digital Single Market, an ambitious initiative designed to remove “digital borders” by harmonising policies and regulatory frameworks across member states.
Participants agreed that deeper integration of digital systems would be essential to unlocking regional trade, financial inclusion and mobility.
Central to the proposed single market is the development of interoperable fintech systems to support seamless cross-border digital payments, a unified digital identity infrastructure to facilitate movement and commerce, and accelerated broadband expansion, particularly to underserved rural communities.
The dialogue also turned significant attention to the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence. Delegates adopted a resolution to develop a Regional AI Governance Framework, acknowledging AI’s potential to transform sectors such as healthcare and agriculture while warning of challenges including algorithmic bias, labour displacement and the growing threat of information disorder.
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In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, participants stressed that West Africa must move from being a passive consumer of global technology to an active co-creator. They noted that digital innovation should promote transparency and inclusion, rather than deepen inequality.
The meeting further highlighted the dangers of disinformation and extremist recruitment, identifying state-sponsored information manipulation as a growing threat to regional peace and stability. To address this, participants resolved to upgrade ECOWAS Radio in Liberia into a regional broadcast hub capable of reaching diverse audiences in multiple local languages. The summit also called for stronger support for ethical journalism and the expansion of regional fact-checking networks to counter foreign information operations.
Concerns about the persistent loss of skilled technology professionals from the region also featured prominently. Delegates urged urgent investment in Centres of Excellence, science and technology education, and targeted programmes to ensure women and girls play leading roles in shaping West Africa’s digital future.
Delivering closing remarks on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Director of Cabinet Abdou Kolley said the transition to a future-ready West Africa was no longer optional.
“The ideas shared here will not remain abstract,” he said. “They will inform concrete commitments that will transform ECOWAS into a truly people-centred organisation.” He also reminded member states that meeting their financial obligations to the Commission is critical to achieving the bloc’s ambitious digital and development goals.
The Lagos dialogue is seen as a key precursor to the upcoming Special Summit on the Future of Regional Integration, where citizen-driven perspectives are expected to further shape ECOWAS’ strategic direction towards 2050.
By PRNigeria
