By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has underscored the urgent need for accelerated digital transformation across West Africa, as he delivered a keynote address at the 20th Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ICT Council of Ministers held on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Freetown.
Addressing Ministers, policymakers and regional stakeholders, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized that digital transformation is central to unlocking sustainable economic growth, innovation and inclusive development within the ECOWAS sub-region. He noted that the region stands at a critical juncture where coordinated digital policies and investments can significantly reshape economies and improve livelihoods.
“The future of West Africa lies in our ability to harness digital technologies to drive growth, create jobs and expand opportunities for our people,” the Vice President stated, while calling for stronger collaboration among member states to build a unified and competitive digital ecosystem.
A major highlight of his address was the call for the establishment of a single digital market across ECOWAS. According to Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, such a market would enable businesses to operate seamlessly across borders, reduce operational costs and stimulate entrepreneurship, particularly among young people and small and medium-sized enterprises.
He further stressed that under the leadership of Julius Maada Bio, who currently chairs ECOWAS, there is a renewed commitment to advancing interoperable digital infrastructure. This, he noted, must be built on the principles of inclusivity, accessibility and effective governance to ensure that no segment of society is left behind in the digital revolution.
The high-level ministerial meeting brought together Ministers responsible for telecommunications, ICT and digitalization from across West Africa. Hosted by the Government of Sierra Leone, the gathering focused on strategies to strengthen digital infrastructure, harmonize policies and accelerate regional integration.
The event featured remarks from key figures, including the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay and the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, Sediko Douka. The session was formally opened by the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, who also chaired the meeting.
Deliberations during the session were guided by recommendations from a prior Experts’ Meeting, which outlined critical priorities such as infrastructure expansion, cybersecurity enhancement and policy harmonization. Ministers engaged in extensive discussions, ultimately adopting the Experts’ report and its recommendations, signaling a collective commitment to advancing the region’s digital agenda.
In his remarks, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh called for practical and forward-looking decisions that translate policy frameworks into tangible outcomes for citizens. He highlighted the importance of expanding broadband access, strengthening digital trust and promoting innovation ecosystems capable of sustaining long-term growth.
The meeting also reviewed key regional initiatives, including updated frameworks on data protection, cybersecurity protocols and a comprehensive regional e-government strategy aimed at improving public service delivery. Discussions further addressed the harmonization of electronic communication regulations and the implementation of regional roaming systems to enhance connectivity.
Participants noted significant progress in regional digital cooperation, including the establishment of cybersecurity mechanisms, digital forensics capabilities and coordinated internet governance structures. Those efforts are expected to contribute to a more secure, resilient and integrated digital environment across ECOWAS member states.
Concluding the meeting, Ministers reached a strong consensus on the need for sustained collaboration and decisive action. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the outcomes will translate into concrete advancements in digital connectivity, improved service delivery and expanded economic opportunities for citizens across West Africa.
The Vice President’s keynote address ultimately set the tone for the meeting, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s leadership role in driving regional digital transformation and positioning ECOWAS as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
