Cotonou: We, Ministers responsible for the Digital Economy of the Member States of West and Central Africa, gathered in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, reaffirm our shared commitment to accelerate digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as drivers of inclusive growth, job creation, and regional integration.
According to World Bank, the ministers recognize that these transformations must primarily serve and empower people by creating jobs, strengthening community resilience, and enhancing economic competitiveness. They acknowledge the progress made in expanding broadband, building digital infrastructure, developing digital skills, and enhancing cybersecurity, while noting the challenges in financing, governance, and inclusion.
The ministers reaffirm their commitment to establishing a Single African Digital Market by 2030, based on connectivity, trust, innovation, sustainability, and ethical AI, ensuring no country or citizen is left behind in the digital economy. They aspire to an Africa where every citizen, particularly youth, women, and vulnerable groups, benefits from digital technologies and AI, boosting entrepreneurship, productivity, and employment.
The ministers commit to achieving universal connectivity, deploying interoperable digital public infrastructure, and equipping youth and women with digital skills. They aim to create two million new jobs in the digital economy and develop regional capacities in computing power and cloud services. They also emphasize the importance of integrating digital transformation into national budgets and reducing barriers to private investment.
The ministers agree to measure progress by halving the average cost of data, ensuring affordable internet for rural households, and extending broadband coverage to 90 percent of the population by 2028. They plan to provide secure digital identities to citizens, achieve interoperable payments, and double intra-African e-commerce. Training 20 million people in digital skills and establishing regional centers of excellence in AI are also prioritized.
The ministers recognize the shared responsibility of Africa's digital transformation, requiring strong leadership, partnerships, and coordinated investments. They emphasize the role of the private sector in innovation, investment, and employment, and encourage companies to expand broadband infrastructure and contribute to training and entrepreneurship. Governments commit to establishing regulatory frameworks to foster responsible investment and innovation.
The ministers plan to develop a Regional Digital Transformation Financing Mechanism for mobilizing investments and policy support for the Declaration. They will establish a regional digital transformation dashboard to track progress and hold an annual regional digital forum to assess progress.
The ministers call on governments, regional organizations, the private sector, civil society, and development partners to join forces to accelerate progress by 2028. They emphasize the importance of building strong foundations in digital technologies and AI to achieve inclusive growth. They express gratitude to President Patrice Talon and the Government of Benin for hosting the Summit and commend the World Bank for supporting digital transformation efforts in West and Central Africa.