Digitalization is changing businesses and interpersonal interactions more and more. Over the past decade, internet penetration in West Africa has seen a steady rise, creating opportunities for businesses, services and trade. Increased exposure to the internet has contributed to the growing potential of E-commerce.

Despite this, the benefits of e-commerce are unevenly distributed, with rural areas and vulnerable sectors of the population, particularly women, lacking adequate access and technical know-how to benefit from internet use. Across the region, smaller economies also seem to lag behind. It is therefore necessary to take advantage of technological innovation for positive use to generate sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

To harness the potential of digitalization to boost economic and sustainable growth, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers adopted the ECOWAS E-commerce Strategy (ECS) during the 90th Session of its meeting held from 6th – 7th July 2023.