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
Govts, Regulators, Industry Players Urge To Deepen Collaboration To Protect Telecom Infrastructure
The 2025 edition of the West Africa Telecommunications Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition (WATISE) has ended in Lagos with a strong call for governments, regulators, and industry players to deepen collaboration, protect telecom infrastructure, and prioritise inclusive digital access across the region.
Cabo Verde Launches National 5G Strategy to Become Digital Hub by 2030
Cape Verde has launched its National Strategy for 5G, setting the country on a path to become a regional hub for telecommunications, innovation, and entrepreneurship by 2030. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Digital Economy as part of the Cape Verde Digital Project, funded by the World Bank and implemented through the Directorate-General of Telecommunications and Digital Economy (DGTED).
Ghanaian gov't moves 3 million AT Ghana subscribers to Telecel’s network
The Ghanaian government has stepped in to transfer three million Airtel Ghana Limited (AT) subscribers onto Telecel’s network. In a post this week, Ghana’s Ministry of Communication confirmed the migration of the customers to Telecel’s network after the customers were disconnected from Airtel because of the carrier’s dispute with American Tower Company Ghana (ATC Ghana).
Ghana and Togo Regulators Begin Border Telecom Coordination Talks
The National Communications Authority (NCA) in collaboration with Togolese telecoms regulator, Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (ARCEP), has commenced a three-day Border Coordination Meeting between Ghana and Togo.
Nigeria’s telecom operators push for urgent training reforms over widening skills gaps
Nigeria’s telecom operators and regulators have raised an alarm about the mounting skills crisis facing the sector and the urgent need for training reforms. They stated this at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) stakeholders’ consultative forum on skill gaps in the telecom value chain, executives, and regulators, where they outlined the challenges and called for bold initiatives to develop, retain, and repatriate technical talent.
Liberia Reviews National ICT Policy to Drive Digital Transformation
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Liberia convened a high-level dialogue with stakeholders on Tuesday to review and refine the country’s National ICT Policy, reaffirming its commitment to building a digitally empowered nation.
How dearth of last-mile infrastructure threatens digital agenda
While Nigeria has made strides in Internet and mobile penetration, the journey to a truly digital economy is stalled at the final stage – reaching the last mile. This is caused by a number of issues, from inadequate physical infrastructure like roads, electricity and limited access to technology in rural and underserved areas.
GSMA warns Ghana’s growth is held back by connectivity usage gap
Industry body the GSMA has warned that a large connectivity usage gap is limiting Ghana’s economic potential. In a new report, the GSMA noted that while mobile services contribute 8% of Ghana’s GDP (GHS94 billion) and network coverage reaches 99% of the population, a 62% usage gap remains – referring to people who have access to connectivity but do not use it.
Stakeholders Harp on Enabling Environment for Telecoms Infrastructure Development, eGovernment Adoption
Industry stakeholders have stressed the need for an enabling business environment that will enhance telecoms infrastructure development and boost e-government adoption for effective service delivery to the citizens.
NCC advances cybersecurity framework to safeguard Nigeria’s telecoms infrastructure
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is firming up a cybersecurity framework for securing digital infrastructure and enhancing online safety for consumers in the Nigerian communications industry. The framework, with likely implementation timeline by telecoms licensees set for 2026, will address security challenges arising from the emerging technologies towards creating a more secure digital economy in Nigeria.
Ghana to Merge Telecom Giants, Aims to Strengthen Sector and Stop Mounting Losses
The Government of Ghana has announced plans to merge AT (formerly AirtelTigo) with Telecel Ghana in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s telecom sector and curbing mounting financial losses.
GSMA Calls for Stronger Policies to Unlock Ghana’s Digital Potential
A new report from the GSMA has showcased Ghana’s achievements in mobile and digital transformation while urging stronger policies to unlock the full potential of connectivity, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Nigeria Signs Landmark Cybersecurity Pact with Kaspersky
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Kaspersky Global to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape. The agreement was sealed during GITEX Nigeria 2025 in Lagos, with NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, and Kaspersky’s General Manager for Africa, Chris Norton, formalising the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
MTN Côte d’Ivoire Highlights Broadband Expansion Plans at Anniversary Launch
MTN Côte d’Ivoire has officially launched celebrations marking its 20 years of operation in the country, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, connectivity, and national digital transformation. The announcement was made during a press conference held on Thursday, August 29, 2025.
Senegal and ITU Boost Collaboration to Shape Global Digital Governance
The Telecommunications and Posts Regulatory Authority of Senegal (ARTP) has advanced its cooperation with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) during the World Regulatory Symposium in Saudi Arabia.
MTN and Vodacom announce technology deployment firsts
Two of Africa’s biggest operators – Vodacom and MTN – have, coincidentally, announced technology deployment firsts for the continent in the past few days – one involving MIMO, the other involving 5-band RRU commercial deployment.
Chad tells operators to connect to its national fibre backbone
The government of Chad late last week ordered mobile operators Airtel and Moov Africa to connect to its national fibre-optic backbone within seven days or face potential sanctions, after the Telecommunications Minister Boukar Michel met executives from both operators on Wednesday.
Togo Launches Cybersecurity Training for 250 Professionals to Strengthen Digital Resilience
Faced with the growing rise of cyber threats, the Togolese Government is stepping up its actions to strengthen the digital resilience of the public and private sectors. It is in this dynamic that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation, through the National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCy), proceeded this Thursday, August 28, 2025 in Lomé, to the official launch of cybersecurity training for 250 professionals, 200 of whom will graduate with certifications.
Nigeria’s Telecom Subscribers Decline as Data Consumption Hits Record High
The Nigerian telecommunications industry is undergoing a period of transformation, according to the latest performance data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for July 2025
Nigeria Faced Nearly 6.5 Million Cyber Threats in H1 2025, Kaspersky Warns
According to data from Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity company, Sub-Saharan Africa saw 42.4 million web attacks and 95.6 million on-device attacks detected in the first half of 2025. The region recorded more than a double increase in spyware, 64% more password stealer attacks and 12% more backdoor infections compared with the same period of last year.
WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities
Regulatory Policy Developments
August 22, 2025
Regulatory Policy Developments
August 18, 2025
Regulatory Policy Developments
August 8, 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
