The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the German Federal Foreign Office and the European Union, hosted a high-level briefing and workshop on cyber diplomacy for the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) in Abuja, Nigeria. The event, part of the Joint Platform for Advancing Cyber Security, aimed to address the rising threat of cybercrime in Nigeria and across West Africa.

As cyber threats grow in complexity and scale in the rapidly digitalizing region, the workshop sought to strengthen cybersecurity and promote international cooperation to safeguard sustainable development and enhance regional cyber resilience. The initiative aligns with the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Action Plan, developed under Germany’s G7 Presidency, focusing on building cyber diplomacy skills, advancing confidence-building measures, and protecting critical infrastructure.

German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, opened the event, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in defending shared values of security and trust in cyberspace. “Cyber-diplomacy promotes cross-border cooperation and represents a crucial stride towards fostering a more secure and interconnected cyberspace, particularly in West Africa,” she stated.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization, Sédiko Douka, and Chair of the ECOWAS PRC, Amb. Musa Nuhu, also spoke, highlighting the strategic importance of digital resilience and multilateral engagement. The workshop marks a significant step in implementing the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Agenda, reaffirming the commitment of ECOWAS, Germany, and the EU to regional security, trust, and sustainable digital transformation.