World Bank unveils $137 million plan to boost broadband, digital jobs in West Africa

The World Bank Group has announced a $137 million digital economy initiative targeting Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, aiming to accelerate West Africa’s technology growth, expand broadband access, and create new digital jobs. 

The program prioritizes modernizing digital infrastructure, enhancing the business environment, and supporting local tech enterprises.

Bridging the digital infrastructure gap

The financing will focus on reducing the region’s digital divide by building resilient broadband networks, enhancing international connectivity, and expanding data center capacity. 

Reliable internet access has long been a bottleneck for West Africa’s competitiveness, limiting opportunities in e-commerce, fintech, and digital services.

This effort builds on the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (WARDIP), first launched in November 2023. 

The initial $266.5 million program covered Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania, with partnerships including the African Union, Smart Africa, and ECOWAS.

Digital skills development for youth and women

A key component of the program is digital workforce training. The project aims to equip roughly 9,000 participants, particularly women and young people, with skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and tech entrepreneurship. 

By building local talent, the initiative seeks to create sustainable high-quality digital jobs that support economic growth across the region.

According to Michel Rogy, the World Bank’s regional director, “This initiative will enable West Africa to accelerate economic transformation, create jobs, strengthen resilience, and build a more integrated regional digital market.”

Expanding internet access and digital services

The World Bank estimates that 5.2 million people across the three target countries will gain access to high-speed internet, while 5.4 million new users will tap into digital services. 

The program is expected to improve access to both public and private digital services, supporting the growth of local startups, fintech platforms, and e-commerce ecosystems.

Driving regional digital integration

Another major focus is West African digital market integration. The program promotes regulatory harmonization, improved digital governance, and stronger market competition.

Working closely with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), the World Bank aims to reduce infrastructure deployment costs and create predictable investment conditions for private sector players.

Marina Wes, acting director of Regional Integration for Africa at the World Bank, noted: “By aligning regulations and encouraging cross-border digital trade, this initiative strengthens the region’s connectivity and investment climate.”

Scaling WARDIP across West Africa

The first phase of WARDIP benefitted an estimated 1.3 million people. With this second phase, the program now spans seven countries and incorporates UEMOA into the framework, significantly expanding its regional impact.

The World Bank Group (WBG), a partnership of 189 member countries, continues to provide financial support, policy guidance, and technical expertise to developing nations, fostering sustainable digital transformation and inclusive economic growth.