West & Central African Ministers Adopt Cotonou Declaration to Drive Digital Future

Ministers stressed the importance of leveraging both domestic and international capital to scale infrastructure, innovation, and talent development.

At the close of a high-level regional summit held from November 17–18, 2025, in Cotonou, Benin, ministers responsible for digital affairs from West and Central Africa adopted the Cotonou Declaration—a landmark commitment designed to accelerate the region’s digital transformation and position Africa as a competitive force in the global digital economy.

Co-organized by the Government of the Republic of Benin and the World Bank Group, the summit brought together more than 200 participants, including ministers, leaders of regional economic communities, private sector executives, young digital entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, and global experts. Their shared ambition: to unlock the economic, social, and innovation potential of digital technologies for the prosperity of more than 400 million people across the region.

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Ambitious 2030 Targets: A New Digital Blueprint for the Region

The Cotonou Declaration outlines bold, measurable targets that will guide national and regional digital policies over the next decade. These targets include:

1. Widespread Broadband Connectivity

• Achieve affordable, reliable broadband access for 90% of the population by 2030.

• Reduce cost barriers to ensure greater inclusion of low-income households and rural populations.

2. Interoperable Public Digital Infrastructure

Ministers committed to deploying foundational systems such as:

• Digital identity

• Digital payments

• Interoperable data platforms

These digital public infrastructures (DPIs) will enable secure transactions, improve service delivery, and support the growth of digital commerce and e-government.

3. Doubling Intra-African E-Commerce

By harmonizing regulations and lowering barriers, countries aim to dramatically expand digital trade within the continent.

4. Harmonized Frameworks for Cybersecurity, Data Governance & AI

To foster a trusted environment, ministers agreed to adopt aligned frameworks focused on:

• Cyber resilience

• Data protection

• Ethical AI deployment

• Regional cross-border data flows

These will help attract private investment and safeguard consumers and businesses.

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Digital Skills and Jobs: Preparing 20 Million People for the New Digital Economy

The Declaration emphasizes human capital as a cornerstone of digital transformation.

Large-Scale Digital Skills Training

Countries will train 20 million people in basic digital literacy to ensure broad participation in the digital economy.

Jobs and Entrepreneurship for Women and Youth

At least 2 million young people and women will gain access to digital jobs, entrepreneurship programs, incubation platforms, and innovation hubs.

Ministers acknowledged that without closing the digital skills gap, connectivity and infrastructure alone cannot translate into inclusive economic benefits.

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Driving African Innovation: Local AI Solutions for Local Needs

A significant highlight of the Declaration is its focus on African-led AI innovation.

Key commitments include:

• Developing regional computing, cloud, and data infrastructure

• Supporting AI application programs in sectors such as agriculture, education, health, transport, and public administration

• Increasing access to open, trusted datasets

• Encouraging local universities and startups to participate in the AI ecosystem

This approach aims to guarantee that AI solutions respond to Africa’s development priorities, strengthen resilience, and avoid deepening global digital divides.

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Mobilizing Investment: National Digital Compacts

To finance these ambitious goals, the Declaration proposes National Digital Compacts—country-led frameworks that will:

• Align reform targets

• Map financing needs

• Structure public–private partnerships

• Engage development partners, investors, and regional institutions

Ministers stressed the importance of leveraging both domestic and international capital to scale infrastructure, innovation, and talent development.

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Leveraging Regional Initiatives: Mission 300 and Cross-Border Collaboration

The summit highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation and regional market integration. Concrete measures were discussed to enhance:

• Cross-country exchange of best practices

• Coordination on regional digital markets

• Private sector investment in infrastructure

Notably, the Declaration aligns with Mission 300 (M300), a major African initiative aimed at providing 300 million people with access to electricity by 2030, recognizing that digitalization and electrification are inseparable.

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Digital Technology: A Catalyst for Inclusive Growth

Participants reaffirmed that digital technology is one of the most powerful accelerators of economic and social progress in Africa. Its benefits extend across sectors:

• Agriculture: boosting productivity through data, analytics, and precision tools

• Health: enabling telemedicine and digital health records

• Education: expanding online learning and skills development

• Trade: facilitating digital payments and e-commerce

• Governance: improving transparency and service delivery

By leveraging digital solutions, countries can reduce poverty, create jobs, expand market access, and strengthen resilience in the face of climate change and economic shocks.

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Aligning with the African Union’s Continental Digital Vision

The Cotonou Declaration is firmly aligned with the African Union’s 2030 objectives, which aim to:

• Achieve universal and affordable broadband

• Build a single African digital market

• Promote the safe and responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including AI

• Strengthen regional integration and cross-border innovation ecosystems

This harmonized approach provides a unified continental roadmap that amplifies the impact of national reforms.

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A Turning Point for the Region’s Digital Future

The adoption of the Cotonou Declaration marks a historic milestone in West and Central Africa’s digital journey. With strong political will, clear targets, and a commitment to inclusive growth, the region is positioning itself as a rising hub of digital innovation and investment.

Through strategic partnerships, expanded skills development, interoperable digital infrastructure, and African-led technological solutions, the Declaration signals a future where digital transformation becomes a powerful engine of shared prosperity.