MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The World Bank Group has approved one hundred thirty-seven million US Dollars to boost job creation in Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
The funding, provided under the second phase of the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program, aims at expanding and upgrading digital infrastructure needed to strengthen competitiveness in the beneficiary countries.
The initiative also seeks to foster a more business-friendly environment, enabling companies to scale up operations and operate across regional markets.
According to a release, the project will expand resilient broadband networks, increase international connectivity, and strengthen data-center capacity, laying the groundwork for new digital jobs and improved Public and private sector service delivery.
The program will also provide digital skills training for nine thousand individuals, including women and youth, while expanding opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship across the three countries.
Approximately 5.2 million people are expected to be connected to new or enhanced broadband internet services, while 5.4 million new users will gain access to digitally enabled services.
The Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program was launched in November 2023 to expand internet access and promote a single digital market in West Africa.
Meanwhile, the World Bank Digital and AI Regional Practice Director, Michel Rogy, says the second phase of the program positions West Africa to accelerate economic transformation by creating jobs, strengthening resilience, and enabling a more integrated regional digital market.
Rogy noted that the program addresses one of the region’s most persistent challenges, high-cost and unreliable connectivity, which continues to limit competitiveness and people’s access to digital opportunities”.
For her part, the Acting World Bank Regional Integration Director for Africa, Marina Wes, maintained that expanding access to affordable and high-quality connectivity is critical to deepening regional integration, unlocking private capital, and creating jobs.
Phase Two of the program will strengthen digital entrepreneurship ecosystems, expand digital financial services, and support small and medium enterprises.
According to the release, these investments will not only boost economic growth and competitiveness but also catalyze new digital jobs across the participating countries.
More than one hundred forty digital startups, including women-led enterprises, are expected to benefit.
By: Naketa Roberts