The recent West Africa Civic Tech Convening held in Abidjan from 22nd – 25th of September, Côte d’Ivoire, brought together fellows, innovators, and changemakers from across the sub-region to explore the intersections of governance, technology, and sustainable development. The event was not only about reviewing our regional civic tech solution but also a chance to learn about the country’s civic space, history, and connections. The experience left me both inspired and energized for the future of civic tech in West Africa.

Peer Learning With Interpeace

One of the highlights of this convening was our peer-learning session with Interpeace, a leading peacebuilding organization with deep roots across the globe. Interpeace was first established in 1994 as the War-torn Societies Project, a United Nations initiative to better support societies emerging from war. Under the leadership of Matthias Stiefel, the project pioneered a participatory action-research methodology, emphasizing local ownership, inclusive participation, relevant data, and consensus-based decision making. Over time, Interpeace grew into an independent NGO in 2000, expanding its programs from Eritrea, Mozambique, and Guatemala to regions like Rwanda, Liberia, and beyond.

In 2006, the organization adopted the name Interpeace, reflecting its broader mission, and by 2013, it had established its West Africa Regional Office, strengthening its presence in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali. With three decades of impact across more than 20 countries, Interpeace continues to remind the world that peace is possible through dialogue, trust-building, and collaboration.

During our session, the insights from  Cheick Touré (Political Advisor, Interpeace)  was particularly powerful. He shared how Interpeace works with youth and communities to build resilience, foster peace, and create sustainable solutions across West Africa. Their commitment to inclusive peacebuilding resonated deeply with me, especially as I reflected on the role of civic tech in amplifying voices, strengthening governance, and shaping participatory systems for the future.

A point raised during the convening, echoed by Taoré, highlighted a persistent governance challenge: youth engagement. Many young people in Côte d’Ivoire have only known one system of governance and therefore struggle to compare it with alternatives. This lack of comparative experience often creates disillusionment and disengagement, underlining the importance of civic education, active participation, and platforms that foster meaningful youth inclusion in governance processes.

Climate & Environmental Action: Plastic Ban and Enforcement

One striking observation during the West Africa Civic Tech Convening in Abidjan was that unlike many other cities, we never received plastic bags when we purchased items. At first, it felt unusual, but then it became clear why the streets of Abidjan appeared noticeably clean compared to what one might expect in a bustling West African capital. This led me to research on Côte d’Ivoire’s bold decision to ban the production, sale, and use of plastic bags, as far back as 2013, a pioneering move on the continent. While the country still struggles with enforcement, producing over 200,000 tonnes of plastic annually, the absence of plastic bags in everyday transactions reveals both the potential and the limitations of such policies. It raised important questions about how governance, innovation, and behavioral change must work hand in hand to achieve cleaner, more sustainable environments across the region.

Building Regional Impact

The West Africa Civic Tech Convening underscored the importance of regional collaboration. Participants from Nigeria, Mali, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire brought diverse experiences that demonstrated the potential of civic tech in addressing governance challenges, environmental issues, and peace building efforts. From Abidjan’s lessons on environmental policy to the shared reflections on governance and youth engagement, the convening reaffirmed a critical point: sustainable impact in West Africa depends on cross-border collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to inclusive governance.

For me, attending the convening was not just about seeing the beautiful landscape of Abidjan. It was about crossing borders, both literally and professionally. It was about stretching my collaboration capacity, embracing new cultures, and realizing that the West Africa Civic Tech Network is here to stay. The West Africa Civic Tech Network continues to grow, providing a platform for collective problem-solving and long-term impact in the region.

As I left Abidjan, I carried with me not just memories of 10,00CFA franc in just one note and some French phrases, but also a renewed belief in the power of civic technology  to transform governance, enhance accountability, and social impact across West Africa.

Au revoir, Abidjan, but definitely not goodbye.