ECOWAS Moves to Revolutionize Regional Internet with New Exchange Point Initiative.
By Raymond Enoch
In a decisive step towards transforming West Africa’s digital infrastructure, the ECOWAS Commission, through its Project Preparation and Development Unit (PPDU) and the Directorate for the Digital Economy and Postal Services, convened a high-level validation workshop in Accra, Ghana, scheduled for the 14th and 16th April, 2025.
The event brought together digital economy experts from ECOWAS Member States, alongside technical and financial partners, to review the draft final report of a groundbreaking feasibility study on the establishment of a Regional Internet Exchange Point (RIXP).
The proposed RIXP aims to strengthen internet connectivity across the West African sub-region by promoting the direct exchange of internet traffic among countries. By reducing reliance on international routing, the initiative is expected to significantly lower costs, improve speed, and enhance the overall efficiency of digital services in ECOWAS Member States.
“This initiative marks a critical turning point for regional digital transformation,” said Mrs. Folake Olagunju, Acting Director of Digital Economy and Post, who delivered the welcome speech on behalf of Mr. Douka Sediko, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization. said “A regional IXP is not just about connectivity—it’s about sovereignty, resilience, and digital inclusion.”
Opening the workshop, Mr. Emmanuel Ofori, Director of Innovations at Ghana’s Ministry of Communication, Digital Technologies and Innovations, emphasized Ghana’s commitment to regional cooperation in advancing digital development. Representing Honourable Samuel George, the Minister, he highlighted that “a harmonized regional digital infrastructure will help unlock the full potential of Africa’s data economy.”
The RIXP project aligns with several major ECOWAS digital economy initiatives, including affordable regional mobile roaming, the ECOWAS e-commerce strategy, and the ALISA regional customs network. It also supports the cascade development of existing national Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) while paving the way for the creation of new ones in Member States currently lacking such infrastructure.
Experts at the workshop would analyze key recommendations from the study and engaged participants on in-depth discussions on implementation strategies. The validation of the report marks a major milestone in the preparation phase of what promises to be one of the most transformative digital infrastructure projects in West Africa.
As ECOWAS pushes forward with its digital agenda, the RIXP initiative is set to serve as a cornerstone for regional integration in cyberspace, unlocking new opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and technological sovereignty.
