West Africa to examine how innovation, data, and frontier technologies can accelerate economic transformation ahead of ECA Conference of Ministers

Niamey, Niger, 11 March 2026 (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Sub-Regional Office for West Africa (SRO-WA), is organizing a high-level policy dialogue on 12 March 2026 to explore how innovation, data, and frontier technologies can support economic transformation in West Africa.

Taking place under the theme "Growth through innovation: Harnessing data and frontier technologies for the economic transformation of West Africa," this virtual dialogue forms part of the preparatory process for the 58th session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (CoM 2026), scheduled to be held from 28 March to 3 April 2026 in Tangier, Morocco.

The dialogue comes at a critical time when African economies are seeking to accelerate structural transformation and build more resilient and diversified growth models. While Africa experienced solid growth between 2000 and 2019, this growth has not yet translated into sufficient industrialization, productivity gains, or the creation of high-quality jobs. Many economies continue to depend heavily on primary commodities and face persistent structural constraints.

Innovation and frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, digital finance, biotechnology, geospatial technologies, blockchain, and advanced manufacturing, are increasingly recognized as essential enablers of Africa's next phase of growth. At the same time, data is becoming a strategic asset for improving policymaking, strengthening domestic resource mobilization, and enhancing competitiveness.

The dialogue will also highlight the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly the role of digital platforms, interoperable systems, and innovation ecosystems in supporting regional value chains and improving market access for African businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.

The main objective of the dialogue is to build on ongoing digital transformation efforts in West Africa and stimulate policy discussions on how innovation ecosystems and frontier technologies can drive economic growth, competitiveness, and sustainable development.

The event will bring together senior government officials, representatives of regional economic communities and intergovernmental organizations, United Nations Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, academia, and members of the Network of Economic Journalists for West Africa.

Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: [email protected]