Anticipation is growing across West Africa as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission prepares to convene a high-level regional consultation on the Digital Economy and New Technologies, a flagship engagement under ECOWAS Vision 2050.
Among the leading experts formally invited to contribute is Peterking Quaye, Regional Director of the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet), representing Liberia.
The invitation underscores the ECOWAS
Commission’s recognition of Quaye’s technical expertise, policy leadership, and sustained engagement in internet governance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and information integrity at national, sub-regional, and regional levels. His participation places Liberia and the Mano River Union (MRU) at the center of discussions shaping the digital future of West Africa.
Shaping Power, Technology, and Trust in the Digital Age
The upcoming consultation in Lagos will bring together policymakers, regulators, media practitioners, civil society organizations, and technical experts to examine how artificial intelligence (AI), communication technologies, social media, and digital transformation are influencing regional integration, peace and security, economic development, and public opinion across ECOWAS member states.
With digital platforms increasingly shaping elections, civic discourse, youth mobilization, and cross-border narratives, ECOWAS is seeking expert input to inform a coherent regional approach—one that promotes innovation while safeguarding stability, sovereignty, and citizens’ rights.
Quaye’s invitation reflects his long-standing advocacy for responsible, inclusive, and African-centered digital policy.
He has played a key role in coordinating national and regional Internet Governance Forums and leading research and capacity-building initiatives on data protection, AI governance, and cybersecurity, particularly in fragile and post-conflict digital environments.
“The ECOWAS Vision 2050 agenda will be realized—or undermined—in our digital spaces,” Quaye said ahead of the consultation.
“This dialogue is an opportunity to ensure that AI, media platforms, and digital technologies strengthen regional unity and development rather than deepen fragmentation and external dependency.”
Addressing Regional Gaps and Emerging Risks
Quaye is expected to contribute insights drawn from Liberia and the MRU region, where rapid mobile adoption, youth-driven digital engagement, and exposure to information disorder highlight both the promise and risks of the digital age.
Across West Africa, the digital economy is expanding rapidly—driven by fintech, e-commerce, online media, and data-driven services—yet significant gaps remain.
Cybersecurity readiness is uneven, data governance frameworks are fragmented, and access to digital infrastructure and skills varies widely between urban and rural communities.
At the same time, intensified international media competition and coordinated online campaigns targeting ECOWAS audiences have increased pressure on public trust, narrative sovereignty, and information integrity.
The consultation aims to address these challenges by fostering regional consensus on AI governance, cybersecurity cooperation, information integrity, and inclusive digital infrastructure.
“West Africa must not only consume digital technologies; we must shape how they are governed and used,” Quaye added.
“This consultation is about defining our collective digital destiny.”
A Pivotal Moment for ECOWAS Digital Policy
As ECOWAS prepares to host this pivotal dialogue, the Commission is encouraging broad participation from governments, the private sector, media, academia, and civil society.
The inclusion of experts like Peterking Quaye signals a strong commitment to multi-stakeholder engagement and to ensuring that regional digital policy reflects on-the-ground realities across all ECOWAS sub-regions.
The Lagos consultation is expected to lay critical groundwork for future ECOWAS policy positions on AI, digital transformation, and communication governance, making it a must-engage moment for stakeholders invested in a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for West Africa.
