Education Technology, Innovation Crucial For West Africa’s Future – ECOWAS Parliament
The ECOWAS Parliament has declared that education technology and innovation are vital tools for shaping the future of West Africa, calling on member states to embrace digital learning and reimagine traditional education models.
This came during a high-level meeting of the Joint Committees on Education, Science and Culture; Health; and Telecommunications and Information Technology held on Monday in Dakar, Senegal. Themed “Prioritising Education Technology and Innovation in the ECOWAS Region”, the gathering brought together key stakeholders to chart a new course for learning across the sub-region.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, 2nd Deputy Speaker Adjaratou Tralee New Coulibaly stressed the urgency of adapting to a rapidly evolving global landscape.
“ECOWAS, with its youthful and dynamic population, stands at a critical crossroads. Traditional models, while foundational, must give way to more inclusive, technology-driven systems,” she said.
Coulibaly referenced the 2003 ECOWAS Protocol on Education and Training, noting progress made, but also pointing out ongoing challenges such as digital inequality, weak infrastructure, and slow uptake in some member states.
Quoting former South African President Thabo Mbeki, she remarked: “If Africa wants to take part in the global knowledge economy, it must allow every child to access information technologies from school.”
Coulibaly also urged caution, warning that technological progress must not come at the cost of human connection in the learning process. “We must ask ourselves: What future awaits the teaching profession when artificial intelligence threatens to replace it?”
Senegal’s National Assembly Speaker, El Malick Ndiaye, represented by Deputy Speaker Ismaila Diallo, echoed these sentiments, advocating for a collective approach to digital transformation and cautioning against the risk of marginalisation.
“Africa’s tech ecosystem is booming, with over 1,000 startups raising $3.4 billion in 2020 alone. We must channel this energy into bold educational reforms,” Diallo stated.
Representing Nigeria, Senator Osita Ngwu, Vice Chair of the ECOWAS Parliament Health Committee, described the meeting as a much-needed forum for assessing progress and pushing for regional alignment.
“We’re advancing, but we must keep learning. AI is here, and while it has benefits, we must constantly review our laws and strategies to stay relevant,” he said.
As the deliberations wrap up, stakeholders expect to present actionable recommendations that could reshape education policy and practice across ECOWAS countries.
The message is clear: West Africa’s future lies in smart, inclusive, and tech-powered education.
