ECOWAS Digital Single Market to Unlock Opportunities for West African Startups — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the proposed ECOWAS Digital Single Market as a game-changer for startups and the region’s digital economy, saying it will open new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and cross-border business growth.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Tinubu said Nigeria fully supports the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, particularly its focus on digital transformation.

According to the President, the establishment of a Digital Single Market, supported by regional frameworks for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems, will create an enabling environment for startups to scale beyond national borders.

He noted that the initiative would help young entrepreneurs access larger markets, attract investment and develop technology-driven solutions capable of addressing regional challenges.

Tinubu said the Digital Single Market would also promote financial inclusion, improve access to digital services, strengthen innovation ecosystems and create jobs for millions of young people across West Africa.

“The establishment of a Digital Single Market, regional frameworks on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity cooperation, digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems will unlock new opportunities for economic diversification, entrepreneurship, education, financial inclusion and job creation, particularly for young people,” he said.

He added that a unified regional digital ecosystem would position West Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy while accelerating inclusive growth across ECOWAS member states.

Beyond digital innovation, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the ECOWAS Compact, pledging continued support for policies that promote regional integration, eliminate trade barriers and improve infrastructure to enable businesses and technology companies to thrive across the sub-region.