Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, has emphasized the critical role of mobile network operators and digital infrastructure in securing West Africa’s digital future during the 18th Edition of the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF 2026) held in Freetown.
The high-level regional forum, officially opened at the Miatta Conference Centre at the Youyi Building, brought together policymakers, regulators, technology experts, development partners, youth representatives, civil society actors, and private sector stakeholders from across West Africa to discuss the future of internet governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, and technological transformation within the region.
Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Shadi Gerjawi stressed that digital sovereignty cannot be achieved without strong and reliable physical infrastructure. He explained that telecommunications towers, fibre optic systems, broadband connectivity, and last-mile network expansion remain the foundation upon which digital economies are built.
According to Gerjawi, countries that invest heavily in digital infrastructure are better positioned to compete globally, strengthen economic growth, improve public service delivery, and protect citizens in an increasingly interconnected digital environment.
He noted that mobile network operators across Sierra Leone and West Africa have continued to make significant investments in expanding telecommunications infrastructure despite existing operational and financial challenges.
Gerjawi stated that extending reliable internet and mobile connectivity to underserved and remote communities requires continuous investment, supportive government policies, regulatory stability, and targeted interventions aimed at reducing infrastructure gaps.
He pointed out that although network expansion has increased considerably in recent years, the cost of telecommunications services has gradually reduced, making digital services more accessible to ordinary citizens.
The Africell CEO further argued that infrastructure alone is not enough to guarantee meaningful digital transformation. He highlighted the growing responsibility of telecommunications companies in promoting digital literacy, innovation, and human capacity development across the region.
According to him, mobile operators interact daily with millions of people and therefore possess a unique opportunity to support governments, schools, universities, and training institutions in equipping young people with practical digital skills required for the modern economy.
Gerjawi emphasized that empowering young people with digital knowledge would not only improve employment opportunities but also encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and greater participation in the digital economy.
He also stressed the importance of building secure and trustworthy digital ecosystems, maintaining that data protection, cybersecurity, and online safety must remain central priorities for governments and private sector actors alike.
He warned that as digital platforms continue to expand rapidly across Africa, protecting users, especially children and vulnerable populations, will require stronger collaboration between regulators, telecommunications providers, and policymakers.
Looking toward the future of digital finance, Gerjawi identified mobile money as one of the most successful financial inclusion tools in Africa. He noted that digital financial services have significantly improved access to transactions, savings, and financial participation for millions of previously unbanked citizens.
However, he called for deeper financial integration through expanded access to digital credit services, insurance products, and innovative savings systems that can further strengthen economic inclusion across the region.
He urged regulators and governments to create enabling environments that encourage innovation while maintaining strong consumer protection mechanisms within the digital finance sector.
While commending Sierra Leone for hosting WAIGF 2026, Gerjawi praised the country’s growing leadership role in regional conversations surrounding digital governance and internet development.
The five-day forum followed the successful hosting of the West Africa School on Internet Governance, which took place from 11th to 12th May 2026. The training programme brought together fellows, facilitators, and technology experts to explore issues relating to artificial intelligence, internet governance, cybersecurity, digital cooperation, data governance, and emerging technologies.
The official opening ceremony also featured strategic discussions on regional digital transformation, innovation, cybersecurity resilience, and digital inclusion, with government representatives reaffirming commitments toward stronger regional cooperation in building a secure and digitally sovereign West Africa.
Participants at the forum emphasized the need for collaborative approaches involving governments, the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners to address the region’s growing technological challenges and opportunities.
WAIGF 2026 is expected to produce practical recommendations and policy proposals aimed at shaping internet governance frameworks, digital inclusion strategies, cybersecurity cooperation, and innovation policies across West Africa.
As discussions continue, stakeholders maintain that the future of the region’s digital economy will depend largely on sustained investments in infrastructure, inclusive policies, digital literacy, and stronger partnerships capable of ensuring that no community is left behind in Africa’s evolving digital transformation journey.
