OUAGADOUGOU, July 15 (Xinhua) -- The fourth edition of the International Fair of Digital Economy Professionals of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (SIPEN-UEMOA) opened Tuesday in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing the region's digital economy.
Held under the theme "Rebuilding the Digital Economy within UEMOA: Artificial Intelligence, FinTech and Inclusive Finance," the three-day forum brought together officials, industry representatives, and experts from the bloc's eight member states.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Burkina Faso's Minister of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications Aminata Zerbo said AI is transforming economies and has become a key driver of competitiveness and digital sovereignty, calling for greater regional cooperation to address common challenges in AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and innovation financing.
The UEMOA is preparing a regional AI development strategy based on national strategies already adopted by Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, and Senegal, while advancing harmonized digital economy regulations across the bloc, said Abdoulaye Diop, president of the UEMOA Commission.
The forum also features discussions on fintech, inclusive finance, and digital innovation to promote regional integration and economic development. ■