WATRA
WATRA works with national telecommunication regulatory authorities in 16 member states in West Africa to promote the adoption of regulations that stimulate investment in telecommunication infrastructure, deliver more affordable communication services to more citizens, enable faster and more secure economic transactions, and facilitate wider and easier access to public services. Together, we work to improve telecommunication sector regulation for economic transformation and social development of all communities in West Africa.
Digital Economy & Telecomms Regulation Trends
WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities
Qatar’s regulator expands access to telecom duct infrastructure
Nigerian government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has announced a strategic collaboration to strengthen cybersecurity and clean up the nation’s cyberspace.
Danbatta: EmoSIM Will Provide Innovative, Affordable Services to Underserved Markets
Former Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has assured Nigerians that the launch of EmoSIM, Nigeria’s first out-bound travel eSIM, would provide innovative and affordable telecommunications services in Nigeria and beyond, especially in underserved markets.
EMOSIM kicks off mobile Virtual network revolution with e-SIM
A Nigerian technology company, EmoSIM, has kicked off a mobile virtual network revolution in the country, launching an electronic SIM, e-SIM product which makes the traditional roaming method of network interconnection look outdated.
Firm unveils e-SIM
EmoSIM, a Nigerian technology company, has launched a new e-SIM product that allows users to connect to mobile networks in 190 countries without changing SIM cards or paying roaming fees. The technology works through virtual e-SIM activation via QR code or mobile app, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. EmoSIM partners with 600 network providers globally.
FG signs $7.5 million agreement with Gates Foundation to build Nigerian AI Scaling Hub
The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed an agreement with the Gates Foundation to establish the Nigerian AI Scaling Hub with $7.5 million in funding and expertise from the Foundation.
USSD Charges: Telcos threaten to withdraw services over banks’ misinformation
The telecom operators in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom and 9Mobile have threatened to withdraw network support for banks’ Unstructured Supplementary Services Data, USSD, following what they described as gross misinformation of subscribers on the mode of deduction for transaction fees.
Network investments will ease customers’ frustration by Q4 — MTN Nigeria’s CTO
In recent months, MTN Nigeria has come under fire for declining network quality, rising outages, and poor service. But behind the scenes, the company says it is grappling with structural challenges. In this interview, Yahaya Ibrahim, chief technical officer at MTNN, speaks to Temitayo Jaiyeola about the root of the crisis and more.
Tackle Internet Fraud Like you Tackled Cultism - Olukoyede Charges Students
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on students of tertiary institutions in the country to maximize the internal control mechanisms of their schools in tackling cybercrime in their campuses, just as they did against campus cultism.
Nigeria Takes Bold Step in Cybersecurity with New National Centre in Kano
The facility, unveiled, is poised to become a national hub for digital defense, innovation and talent development. In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on the 20th May, 2025 commissioned a state-of-the-art National Cybersecurity Centre at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
Nigeria Launches Initiative to Bridge Connectivity Gap in Universities
The project aims to deliver high-speed fibre-optic internet directly to student hostels, enhancing access to digital learning and collaboration tools. The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the pilot phase of “Fibre 2 Hostel Initiative” at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka.
Connectivity in Guinea: Cost of Mbps drops from $4,000 to less than $5, but reliance on a single cable is a concern
Thanks to the landing of the ACE submarine cable, Guinea has seen a dramatic drop in bandwidth costs and a massive increase in its international capacity. But this progress masks a major risk: the lack of backup infrastructure.
ATCON Promises to Address Telecoms’ Infrastructure Challenges
The Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), has re-elected its president and other executive members for a second tenure of two years, during its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), which held in Lagos.
Vitel Wireless Completes Interconnectivity with all Major Telcos in Nigeria
Vitel Wireless Limited, pioneer mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in Nigeria has made another history by announcing the successful completion of interconnectivity with all major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria.
New NCC portal tracks telecom service disruption
Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched a Major Outage Reporting Portal to boost transparency and hold telecom operators accountable for service disruptions.
IHS Nigeria, NSCDC Partner to Protect Telecoms Infrastructure
IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of the IHS Towers group, announced on Thursday it has formed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to increase protection of critical telecoms infrastructure across Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Broadband Penetration Rises To 48.15%
The National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020–2025) set an ambitious goal of achieving 70% broadband penetration by the end of 2025. Industry statistics from NCC said the rise was from 47.73 per cent recorded in March 2025. The development comes as the country’s telecommunications industry struggles with a multiple and complex business environment. Nigeria has missed its internet penetration target for 2025.
Starlink Woos New Users in Nigeria with Free Subscription
Starlink, the satellite internet service powered by SpaceX, is significantly expanding its regional bandwidth coverage in Nigeria. As demand continues to surge, the telecommunications company is enhancing its network capacity nationwide.
Steel ministry, FMCIDE, partner on utilising locally manufactured steel products in telecom infrastructure
The Ministry of Steel Development and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy engaged in strategic discussions to promote the use of locally manufactured steel products in the construction of telecommunications towers across the country and other areas of mutual benefits.
Orange Liberia to invest USD 200 mln over 6 years to expand network
Orange Liberia has said it will spend USD 200 million over the next six years to expand and modernise its network connectivity, The Investigator reported. The primary focus is to extend network coverage and boost service quality, especially in underserved rural areas, CEO Jean Marius Yao said.
IHS Nigeria partners with NSCDC to protect telecoms infrastructure
IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of the IHS Towers group, announced on Thursday it has formed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to increase protection of critical telecoms infrastructure across Nigeria.
WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities
Regulatory Policy Developments
April 11, 2025
Regulatory Policy Developments
February 27, 2025
Regulatory Policy Developments
January 31, 2025
ABOUT WATRA
WATRA was established in 2002 as a result of the need for a common platform for the telecommunications and ICT regulators in the West African region to exchange information, share best practices, and coordinate their actions.
WATRA operates under the legal framework of the ECOWAS Treaty, the Supplementary Act on Telecommunications and ICT, the Protocol on the Establishment of WATRA, and the Constitution and Rules of Procedure of WATRA.
WATRA MEMBERS
