Once a peripheral topic, cyber diplomacy has become a central pillar in global security discourse. In West Africa, where digital infrastructure is rapidly expanding and cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and transnational, regional leadership is taking shape.
Far from remaining on the sidelines, West African actors are actively defining the rules, frameworks, and partnerships that will govern cyberspace for generations.
This growing strategic posture was made evident during a recent High-Level Briefing on Cyber Diplomacy, organized by the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. Held in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and the German Federal Foreign Office, the briefing targeted the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC).
The session brought together ambassadors, top diplomats, technical specialists, and global partners to deliberate on how the region can speak and act as one in the digital realm.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, H.E. Mr. Sédiko Douka, opened the session with a firm call to action.
“Cyber diplomacy is no longer optional. It is essential. It allows us to defend our digital sovereignty, build trust among Member States, and shape the rules that will govern cyberspace — both in Africa and globally.”
H.E. Mr. Sédiko Douka
He urged all Member States to incorporate cyber diplomacy into their broader security and foreign policy frameworks, emphasizing that collective action is vital to protecting Africa’s digital ecosystem.
Reinforcing this strategic direction, Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, tied digital security to the very heart of democratic values, economic resilience, and developmental goals.
“Our cooperation on cybersecurity is not only about technical capacity — it is about protecting citizens, businesses, and the democratic space. ECOWAS is leading by example.”
Mr. Massimo De Luca
Also, the German Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Annett Günther, praised ECOWAS’ emergence as a digital norm-shaper.
“The future of diplomacy is already digital. By reinforcing structures, building knowledge, and speaking with one voice, ECOWAS can set an example of how regional blocs shape responsible behaviour in cyberspace.”
H.E. Annett Günther
Representing Member States, H.E. Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS and Chair of the PRC, underscored the need for collective diplomacy. He insisted that Africa must not remain passive in global digital rulemaking processes.
“We must be present in international discussions that affect our digital future. ECOWAS has the collective voice, the political will, and the legitimacy to act as one. Let’s use it.”
H.E. Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu
Cyber Diplomacy and Technological Synergy
Germany’s Cyber Ambassador, H.E. Maria Adebahr, also lent her voice, highlighting the intersection of diplomacy and technological advancement. “Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies must be met with diplomatic skill, policy coherence, and regional unity,” she said. “ECOWAS has shown it is ready to lead.”
Ms. Sorina Teleanu from DiploFoundation delivered a detailed presentation on multilateral mechanisms and negotiation strategies, presenting cyber diplomacy as a practical, actionable domain. She outlined ECOWAS’ active role in global initiatives such as the UN Open-Ended Working Group and the Global Digital Compact.
Adding further expertise, Mr. Moctar Yedaly, Africa Regional Director of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), and Dr. Katherine Getao, Kenya’s former ICT Secretary, stressed the urgency of updating national laws and promoting inter-agency collaboration to tackle regional digital threats effectively.
The session closed with a unified stance: cyber diplomacy must not remain the domain of advanced economies. For regions like West Africa, it is a strategic tool for protecting sovereignty, enabling development, and preserving peace.
This initiative forms part of ECOWAS’ broader mission to weave digital governance, regional security, and multilateral diplomacy into the fabric of West African integration. With strong backing from the European Union and Germany, ECOWAS is charting a path toward a secure, inclusive digital future.
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