The adoption of cryptocurrency is affecting the whole world and finding more and more users in developing countries and regions. Faced with this digital revolution, the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is organizing a relocated meeting under the theme "cryptocurrency as a facilitator of community trade in West Africa", from 6 to July 10, 2021 in Ouagadougou.

Leading the reflection on West Africa in the face of the challenges of cryptocurrency, it is with this objective that the ECOWAS parliamentarians met in Ouagadougou. A cryptocurrency is a decentralized digital currency that uses cryptographic algorithms and a protocol called "blockchain" to ensure the reliability and traceability of transactions. States are beginning to realize the need to protect citizens against misuse and to regulate its use. Thus for five days, ECOWAS deputies will focus on "cryptocurrency as a facilitator of community trade in West Africa". This meeting aims to enable ECOWAS MPs to gain an understanding of cryptocurrency and its use in the process of facilitating regional integration.

The meeting also provides an opportunity for regional parliamentarians to determine the need and nature of regulation to guard against misuse of cryptocurrency in the region. During the exchanges, experts will decipher this virtual currency and provide participants with the knowledge necessary to better understand its use.