Regional Summit on Digital Transformation in West and Central Africa: Cotonou, a crossroads for deep strategic reflection

The Regional Summit on Digital Transformation in West and Central Africa opened on Monday 17 November 2025 at the Sofitel Marina Hotel in Cotonou. Co-organised by the Government of the Republic of Benin and the World Bank Group, this strategic event brings together some twenty ministers of digital affairs and of finance from West and Central African countries, international experts, private sector players and technical and financial partners committed to accelerating the digital economy in the sub-region.

The opening ceremony was attended by several members of the Government of Benin, including Ministers of State Abdoulaye BIO TCHANE and Romuald WADAGNI, as well as the President of the HAAC (High Authority for Broadcasting and Communication), Mr Édouard LOKO.

Over two (02) days, participants will examine the progress, challenges and prospects relating to the digitalisation of public services, technological innovation, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, job creation through digital technology, and the development of the digital infrastructure essential to the competitiveness of States.

In her introductory remarks, Benin's Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, recalled the importance of digital transformation as a lever for economic development, administrative modernisation and improved access to essential services for the population: “The time of isolated projects is over. Our countries must build synergies such as pooling submarine cables, building cross-border digital infrastructure or sharing artificial intelligence solutions,” the Minister stated.

Through Mr Ousmane DIAGANA, Vice President for Western and Central Africa, the World Bank, a major partner in many digital initiatives in Africa, commended the efforts of the countries in the region and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovative programmes that accelerate the digital transition, particularly in the education, health, finance and governance sectors.

Benin has made enormous progress in digital technology and digitalisation over the past ten years. Driven by the vision of President Patrice TALON, the country has gone from a mobile internet penetration rate of 19% to 75%. Hundreds of thousands of Beninese have been trained in digital skills. More than 250 public services have been digitised and made accessible to all without having to travel. In a decade, Benin has gone from a country “lagging behind” in digital technology to a country charting its own course.

“Digital trust is growing in Benin,” observed Minister of State Abdoulaye BIO TCHANE. “Digital technology can become one of the strongest pillars of sustainable growth, regional integration and the creation of quality jobs. If we mobilise our skills, our resources and our partnerships with ambition and consistency, digital technology will become one of the major foundations of prosperity in West and Central Africa,” he stated in his speech launching the proceedings.

This summit is a platform for high-level exchanges aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and promoting harmonised digital strategies capable of stimulating growth and boosting youth employability. The expected conclusions should help to reduce the digital divide and connect more people; develop artificial intelligence skills to stimulate innovation; and create digital jobs through the Digital Single Market.