West African Pidgin English, also known as West African Pidgin, is a creole language that developed during the colonial period in West Africa, particularly in regions where English was a dominant language. Its origin can be traced back to interactions between Africans and European colonizers, traders, and missionaries.

The development of West African Pidgin English was influenced by various West African languages and European languages, primarily English. It served as a means of communication between people from different language backgrounds, enabling them to engage in trade, work, and other activities.

The specific origin and evolution of West African Pidgin English can vary across different West African regions, but its roots are generally connected to the historical context of European colonialism and the need for a lingua franca to facilitate communication among diverse linguistic communities. Over time, it has evolved and diversified into various regional forms and is spoken by millions of people in West Africa today.