Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has called on West African leaders to work together to speed up digital transformation across the region, saying it is key to economic growth and regional integration.
He made this call while delivering a keynote address at the 20th ECOWAS ICT Council of Ministers Meeting held in Freetown on Friday, 27 March 2026. The meeting brought together ministers, policymakers, and experts from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to discuss the future of digital development in the region.
In his speech, Dr Jalloh stressed the importance of creating a single digital market within ECOWAS. He explained that such a system would allow businesses to expand beyond their national borders, reduce the cost of doing business, and create more opportunities for citizens across West Africa.
He noted that the global economy is rapidly changing, with digital technology now playing a central role in trade, innovation, and job creation. According to him, West Africa must not be left behind in this transformation.
“The future of our economies depends on how well we integrate our digital systems,” he said, warning that failure to act could leave the region struggling to compete globally.
Dr Jalloh also highlighted the need for strong regional cooperation, especially in areas such as digital payments, data protection, cybersecurity, and communication systems. He said countries must move beyond working in isolation and instead build systems that can connect across borders.
He further emphasized the importance of building interoperable digital infrastructure, which allows different systems to work together smoothly. According to him, this must be supported by clear policies, inclusive access, and good governance to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital transition.
The Vice President said Sierra Leone is already making progress in digital development through investments in public services, cybersecurity, and innovation. However, he warned that national efforts alone are not enough without strong regional collaboration.
He urged ECOWAS member states to move from discussions to action, focusing on practical steps that will deliver real results for citizens. These include expanding broadband access, improving digital skills, and creating an environment that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.
Other speakers at the meeting also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the region’s digital ecosystem. These include harmonising laws on data protection, improving cybersecurity systems, and developing a regional e-government strategy aimed at improving public service delivery.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment among member states to build a secure, inclusive, and connected digital economy that benefits all citizens in West Africa.
Dr Jalloh concluded by saying that digital transformation is not just about technology, but about improving lives, creating jobs, and building a stronger and more united region.
