By Ishmail Saidu Kanu
The World Bank Group has approved the allocation of $137 million to facilitate digital development and foster job creation in Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
This funding constitutes the second phase of the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP2), which is designed to augment internet access, provide support to start-ups, and expand the availability of digital services across the region.
According to the World Bank, the project is expected to connect approximately 5.2 million individuals to new or upgraded broadband infrastructure.
Furthermore, it will enable 5.4 million people to access digital services, including, but not limited to, online banking, e-government platforms, and digital payment systems.
The program is structured around three principal objectives. First, it seeks to expand and improve digital infrastructure to ensure reliable and efficient connectivity. Second, it aims to establish a business environment that is conducive to investment and commercial activity. Third, it intends to facilitate cross-border operations and trade for companies within the West African region.
Michel Rogy, Digital and AI Regional Practice Director at the World Bank, has stated that the project is expected to contribute materially to the growth of West Africa’s digital economy by improving connectivity and generating new employment opportunities.
The project further provides for the implementation of digital skills training for approximately 9,000 participants, including women and youth. The training will cover specialized fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship.
Moreover, the program is anticipated to support in excess of 140 digital start-ups, including enterprises led by women, through the provision of financial resources and opportunities to expand within regional markets.
The initial phase of WARDIP, launched in 2023, was aimed at promoting a single digital market in West Africa. That phase provided assistance to The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania, facilitating improved access to digital services for approximately 1.3 million people.
With the approval of this new funding, WARDIP2 will extend its reach to seven countries, thereby strengthening regional integration and contributing to the creation of substantial numbers of digital employment opportunities.
