World Bank Allocates $137M for Digital Boost in Africa

Funding aims to expand broadband access, foster digital entrepreneurship, and strengthen regional integration in Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The World Bank Group's Board of Directors has approved a $137 million regional initiative called the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP2) to strengthen the foundations for a dynamic digital economy in Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The project will expand broadband access, support digital skills training, and invest in digital entrepreneurship ecosystems to create new jobs and unlock economic opportunities.

Why it matters

Improving digital connectivity and fostering a more business-friendly environment in West Africa is crucial for boosting economic transformation, creating jobs, and enabling greater regional integration. High-cost and unreliable internet access has been a persistent challenge limiting competitiveness and access to digital opportunities in the region.

The details

WARDIP2 will increase broadband access for 5.2 million people, enable 5.4 million new digital service users, support over 140 digital startups, and strengthen digital skills training for 9,000 individuals. The project will invest in digital infrastructure, modernize digital governance, improve competition, and expand access to digital financial services and cross-border trade opportunities for small and medium enterprises.

  • WARDIP was launched in November 2023 as a program to expand internet access and promote a single digital market in West Africa.
  • WARDIP2 builds on the foundation of the first WARDIP operation, which is supporting The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Mauritania.

The players

World Bank Group

The World Bank Group is a global development institution that provides financing, policy advice, and technical assistance to governments of developing countries.

Michel Rogy

World Bank Digital and AI Regional Practice Director.

Marina Wes

Acting World Bank Regional Integration Director for Africa.

African Union

A continental union consisting of 55 member states located in Africa.

Smart Africa

An alliance of African heads of state and government working to accelerate sustainable socioeconomic development through affordable access to broadband and the use of information and communications technologies.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

A regional economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa.

West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)

A union of eight West African countries that share the CFA franc as a common currency.

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What they’re saying

“This new initiative positions West Africa to accelerate economic transformation by creating jobs, strengthening resilience, and enabling a more integrated regional digital market.”

— Michel Rogy, World Bank Digital and AI Regional Practice Director

“By harmonizing regulations, modernizing digital governance, and improving competition across regional markets, WARDIP2 creates a more predictable and investment-friendly environment.”

— Marina Wes, Acting World Bank Regional Integration Director for Africa

What’s next

The first WARDIP operation (WARDIP1), implemented in partnership with the African Union, Smart Africa, and ECOWAS, is supporting The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Mauritania to strengthen institutional capacities and extend access to services. WARDIP2 builds on this foundation, expanding the program to a total of seven countries and to the WAEMU.

The takeaway

This World Bank initiative aims to transform West Africa's digital landscape by improving broadband access, fostering digital entrepreneurship, and strengthening regional integration - critical steps to boost economic opportunities and create new jobs in the region.