By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Senegal is hosting the
constitutive meeting of the Interministerial Council of the West African
Network of National Backbones in Dakar, marking a step towards establishing the
organisation’s institutional framework and defining a common strategy for developing
digital infrastructure across the sub-region.
The meeting is chaired by
Senegal’s Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, Samba Diouf, and
brings together delegations from member countries, including The Gambia’s
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Lamin Jabbi.
The meeting aims to
establish the institutional anchoring of the organisation and define a common
strategy for the development of infrastructure across West Africa.
Speaking at the opening,
Diouf stressed that connectivity is an essential condition for the development
of economies and for populations to access digital opportunities. He said the
digital future of countries in the region also depends on their ability to work
together.
Pooling available capacities
is expected to expand investment opportunities and generate concrete benefits
for populations through more reliable services.
The initiative aligns with
Senegal’s New Deal Technologique, particularly its focus on African leadership
in digital technology. Through the strategy, the Senegalese government aims to
position the country as a continental reference and a pillar of African digital
integration.
The meeting represents a
further effort to strengthen sub-regional cooperation in developing the digital
infrastructure needed to support economic growth and access to digital
services.
