By Joe Turay
The World Bank Group has approved $137 million in funding to expand digital connectivity and create jobs in Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the institution said on Tuesday.
The financing forms the second phase of the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP), a regional initiative designed to improve broadband infrastructure, promote digital services and support entrepreneurship across the region.
The program aims to connect about 5.2 million people to new or improved broadband internet services and enable 5.4 million additional users to access digital services, according to the World Bank.
“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.
The project will invest in expanding resilient broadband networks, increasing international connectivity and strengthening data-centre capacity to support digital businesses and public services.
The program will also support digital skills training for around 9,000 people, including women and young people, with training in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and entrepreneurship.
The World Bank said the initiative would also help improve the business environment by harmonising digital regulations and strengthening governance frameworks across participating countries.
“By harmonizing regulations and modernizing digital governance, WARDIP2 creates a more predictable and investment-friendly environment,” said Marina Wes.
The program is expected to support more than 140 digital startups, including women-led enterprises, through seed financing, market access and opportunities for cross-border digital trade.
WARDIP was launched in 2023 to promote a single digital market in West Africa and expand access to internet services across the region.
The first phase of the program supports The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania in strengthening digital infrastructure and institutional capacity.
The second phase expands the program to include Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and will also support regional regulatory cooperation through the West African Economic and Monetary Union and the Economic Community of West African States.
