The main objective of the DTfA/WARDIP program is to improve access to and usage of broadband in West Africa. It seeks to reduce the digital divide by making internet services more affordable, fostering competition among service providers, and enhancing the underlying infrastructure. This initiative is expected to create new employment opportunities and improve access to services for approximately 1.3 million people, with a particular focus on inclusion, aiming for 50% of beneficiaries to be women or persons with disabilities.
Reducing the digital divide by making internet services more affordable
With a $10.5 million grant over five years, the ECOWAS Commission aims to facilitate the creation of an integrated regional digital market, promote collaboration among member countries, and support the development and security of digital transformation initiatives in the region.
This program aligns with ECOWAS's vision for the digital economy sector, aiming to position information and communication technologies (ICTs) as drivers of economic growth and inclusion. It will contribute to establishing a single digital market to foster shared and sustainable prosperity in the ECOWAS region.
Strengthening legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks in the telecommunications and digital economy sector
The World Bank grant will fund various activities aimed at strengthening legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks in the telecommunications and digital economy sector. It will also support regional initiatives to facilitate the deployment of resilient international network infrastructure and enhance cyber resilience in the region. Additionally, it will contribute to the development and promotion of digital financial services, e-commerce, and digital government services.