West African digital regulators convened in Ouagadougou to discuss harmonizing digital financial services and implementing cross-border mobile roaming agreements.
Digital regulators from UEMOA member states are meeting in Ouagadougou from October 20-22, 2026, to enhance cooperation on key digital economy issues. The discussions focus on regulating digital financial services, sharing telecommunications infrastructure, and finalizing cross-border mobile roaming agreements. Burkina Faso is currently chairing the Committee of National Digital Regulators (CRNN).
The meeting aims to address challenges posed by evolving digital uses and strengthen collaboration between regulatory bodies. Participants are sharing experiences to identify practices that can facilitate network deployment, improve territorial coverage, and enhance service quality. The regulation of digital financial services is a particular focus, with an emphasis on user protection and coordinated interventions.
A significant outcome expected is the progress towards bilateral agreements for community roaming, with signatures planned for October 23, 2026. These agreements are intended to facilitate electronic communications for travelers, families, and economic actors across the UEMOA region. The CRNN was established in September 2023 to foster cooperation among national digital regulatory bodies.
Why it mattersInvestors are affected by the potential for harmonized digital financial services and improved telecommunications infrastructure, which could foster economic development and market integration within the UEMOA region.
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