

Today we celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day—an opportunity to reflect on the transformative power of information and communication technologies (ICT) in shaping our economies and societies.
This day marks the anniversary of the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on May 17, 1865, celebrating 160 years of efforts to connect the world.
The 2025 theme focuses on gender equality in digital transformation. It highlights the importance of ensuring that women and girls have equal access to the opportunities offered by ICT, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Across the WAEMU region, we acknowledge the progress made in digital connectivity and innovation. However, challenges remain—particularly in closing the digital divide and promoting inclusive digital access for all.
The SIPEN-UEMOA (Digital Economy Professionals of WAEMU International Conference and Exhibitions) is committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration among sector stakeholders to tackle these challenges. Together, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable digital future for our region.