World Bank Approves $137 Million Initiative to Accelerate Digital Integration and Job Creation in West Africa

The World Bank Group Board of Directors has approved $137 million in financing to support a regional initiative aimed at accelerating digital integration and job creation in West Africa, with a focus on Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

The investment represents the second phase of the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP), designed to strengthen the region’s digital economy through expanded connectivity, improved digital infrastructure, and enhanced cross-border digital services.

According to the World Bank, the initiative will focus on three strategic pillars:

1. Expanding and upgrading digital infrastructure to enhance regional competitiveness

2. Creating a more business-friendly digital environment

3. Enabling companies to scale operations and access regional markets through cross-border digital services

Expanding Broadband Connectivity Across West Africa

The program aims to significantly increase broadband access across participating countries. Approximately 5.2 million people are expected to gain access to new or improved broadband internet, while 5.4 million additional users will benefit from digitally enabled services.

The project also seeks to address long-standing connectivity challenges in the region, where high costs and unreliable infrastructure have limited the growth of digital economies and reduced access to online services.

“This new initiative positions West Africa to accelerate economic transformation by creating jobs, strengthening resilience, and enabling a more integrated regional digital market,” said Michel Rogy, Digital and AI Regional Practice Director at the World Bank.

He added that the program addresses one of the region’s most persistent barriers: high-cost and unreliable connectivity that restricts competitiveness and access to digital opportunities.

Building Infrastructure for the Digital Economy

A core component of the initiative includes major investments in digital infrastructure, aimed at expanding resilient broadband networks and improving international connectivity across West Africa.

The program will also support the development of data-center capacity and digital platforms, which are essential for supporting regional digital services and enabling businesses to operate more efficiently across borders.

By strengthening infrastructure, policymakers expect to stimulate innovation, attract investment, and accelerate the development of technology-driven industries.

Developing Digital Skills and Employment Opportunities

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the initiative will invest in human capital and digital skills development.

The program plans to support training for approximately 9,000 individuals, with a strong focus on women and youth, helping them gain expertise in areas such as:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)

• Cybersecurity

• Digital entrepreneurship

• Technology-enabled services

These training programs aim to prepare the workforce for emerging digital job markets, while supporting startups and technology-driven businesses across the region.

Strengthening Regional Digital Markets

The initiative also seeks to foster a more integrated digital marketplace across West Africa, enabling businesses to expand across borders and access larger regional markets.

By improving regulatory frameworks and cross-border digital services, the program is expected to support greater economic cooperation and regional trade, while promoting inclusive digital growth across participating countries.

Sources

World Bank Group. Official announcement on the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP2).

Sierraloaded. World Bank Approves $137 Million to Boost Digital Integration and Job Creation.

World Bank regional digital economy program materials and project documentation.