The West-African Digital Transformations Forum
Forum sur les transformations numériques en Afrique de l’Ouest
Published on Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Abstract
Digitalization is a major strategic stake for African economies, yet the extent to which digital development interventions have been successful and their role in shaping social, economic, and political transformations remains unclear. West Africa, in particular, offers a rich setting that remains insufficiently documented, calling for strengthened research efforts to inform debates and policies on digitalization and development.
Announcement
Argument
The Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (FERDI), the Global Development Network (GDN), the African Center for Equitable Development (ACED), the CERDI (University Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, IRD), and the African School of Economics are organizing the first edition of a forum dedicated to strengthening research and knowledge production and contribution to digital transformations in West Africa. The event will take place in Cotonou (Benin) from the 7th to 9th July, 2026, and is supported by the Clermont-Ferrand International Development Hub (PCDI).
Digitalization is a major strategic stake for African economies, yet the extent to which digital development interventions have been successful and their role in shaping social, economic, and political transformations remains unclear. West Africa, in particular, offers a rich setting that remains insufficiently documented, calling for strengthened research efforts to inform debates and policies on digitalization and development. The Forum therefore aims to take stock of existing knowledge, and support young scholars to bring African research, especially from West Africa, into closer dialogue with global research, public policy, and regional development efforts. The Forum is a three-day, in-person event and will be structured around three complementary pillars :
- Day 1 : A research lab dedicated to developing new research projects and programmes on digital transformations in West Africa ;
- Day 2 : A research workshop during which young African economists will present and discuss their papers on digital transformations in West Africa and across the rest of the continent ;
- Day 3 : Round tables and panels to strengthen the digital research-policy connection.
Keynotes : Jenny Aker (Cornell University), Moussa Blimpo (University of Toronto) and other scholars (to be announced).
Submission guidelines
Submit a full paper and a CV in English or in French to the Forum portal by the 3rd of May 2026 (23 :59 CET).
Calendar :
- Submission deadline : 3rd of May 2026
- Notification of acceptance : 18th-19th of May 2026
- Forum registration deadline : 24th of May 2026
- Forum dates : 7th to 9th of July 2026 (tbc)
Scientific committee
- Sêgnon Aguey (African School of Economics)
- Ablam Apeti (Université Paris Nanterre)
- Jean-Louis Arcand (Global Development Network)
- Théophile Azomahou (Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, IRD, CERDI)
- Simone Bertoli (Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, IRD, CERDI)
- Pierre Biscaye (Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, IRD, CERDI)
- Moussa Blimpo (Université de Toronto)
- Joël Cariolle (Ferdi, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, IRD, CERDI)
- Virginie Comblon (Orange Research, DIAL)
- Romaric Coulibaly (ENSEA Abidjan)
- Vianney Dequiedt (Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, IRD, CERDI, Ferdi)
- Martina Ferracane (Institut Universitaire Européen)
- Lewis Gakpa (ENSEA Abidjan)
- Nathaniel Gbenro (ENSEA Abidjan)
- Jean-Baptiste Guiffard (Université de Rouen)
- Hugues Kouadio (ENSEA Abidjan)
- Jordan Loper (Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, IRD, CERDI)
- Alphonse Noah (Université de Limoge)
- Nouhoum Touré (Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne)
- Léonard Wantchekon (African School of Economics)
- Mahounan Yedomiffi (Darthmouth College)
Subjects
- Economics (Main category)
- Society > Economics > Economic development
Places
- Cotonou, Benin
Event attendance modalities
Full on-site event
Date(s)
- Sunday, May 03, 2026
Keywords
- digitalisation, afrique, connectivité, développement, IA, commerce,agriculture, sécurité alimentaire, genre, finance
Information source
- Chantal Brige
courriel : chantal [dot] brige [at] uca [dot] fr
License
This announcement is licensed under the terms of Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal.
To cite this announcement
« The West-African Digital Transformations Forum », Call for papers, Calenda, Published on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, https://doi.org/10.58079/1627z
