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
UK on Track to Reach 96% Fiber Coverage by 2027
WASHINGTON, March 24, 2025 – The United Kingdom is on course to reach 96% fiber broadband coverage within two years, according to the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom.
Telecom executives seek tougher regulations on fibre cuts
Telecom executives are seeking stricter regulations to curb the rising cases of fibre cuts in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, which have cost operators an estimated N5bn in 2024 alone, causing widespread network disruptions and service outages.
CNII insufficient to protect telecoms investment, say stakeholders
Industry leaders have highlighted new measures to be taken to ensure that telecommunications infrastructures are protected.
Beyond CNII: Telecom Experts Identify Stronger Infrastructure Protection Measures
At the 7th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) Summit on CNII implementation held Thursday in Lagos, telecom industry leaders stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) alone cannot guarantee the safety of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Data is the New Oil—But Are Nigerians Selling Theirs Too Cheap?
Every time we tap our phones, send money via fintech apps, or scroll through social media, we generate a goldmine of digital information.
Unleashing Nigeria’s Business Potential: The Cloud as a Catalyst for Growth
Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit is undeniable. Amidst a dynamic and competitive market, businesses are brimming with potential, poised to become regional and even global powerhouses.
Flutterwave partners with FIRS to digitize tax collection in Nigeria
Flutterwave, a leading African payments technology firm, has joined forces with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to streamline tax payments across Nigeria. The initiative aims to simplify tax compliance by offering multiple payment options, real-time reporting, and offline capabilities for those with limited internet access.
NHRC to engage tech companies over AI harm prevention in Nigeria
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced plans to engage tech companies in its bid to prevent Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications from harming Nigerians.
Flutterwave Powers Local Businesses in Ghana Through Pay With Bank Transfer
Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, has broadened its reach in Ghana through the integration of Pay With Bank Transfer, done in partnership with Affinity Bank.
ICP HUB Ghana drives Web3 Growth with Innovative Programs and Developer Support
In recent years, Ghana has seen a growing interest in blockchain technology, with developers and entrepreneurs exploring how Web3 can revolutionize industries. Leading this movement is ICP HUB Ghana, a registered NGO dedicated to fostering Web3 education, innovation, and developer support through the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP).
Ghana’s Digital Future: Minister Tasks Data Protection Commission to Expand and Innovate
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has tasked the Data Protection Commission to scale up its operations, stressing the importance of establishing a regional presence and scaling up from a commission to an authority.
Rack Centre: 12MW LGS2 Data Centre Offers Lowest Power Usage Efficiency in Nigeria
The newly built 12MW LGS2 Data Centre by Rack Centre, West Africa’s leading Tier III Carrier and Cloud Neutral Data Centre facility, is Hyperscale & AI-ready, and one of the most energy-efficient facilities in the West African region.
NDPC Enforces New Data Privacy Laws, Holds Businesses Accountable from Sept 2025
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued a directive to enforce the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), ensuring organisations are held accountable for handling personal data.
NDPC Investigates TikTok, Truecaller Over Alleged Data Breaches
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has opened an investigation into TikTok and Truecaller over alleged violations of data privacy laws.
Brij Fintech Ghana rolls out BrijX B2B currency swap platform in regulatory sandbox
Brij Fintech Ghana, a licensed Payment Service Provider, has commenced a six-month pilot phase of its BrijX B2B Currency Swap Platform under the supervision of the Bank of Ghana’s Regulatory Sandbox.
OADC to invest $240m in Lagos data centre
Open Access Data Centres (OADC), a WIOCC subsidiary, plans to build a $240 million, 24-megawatt (MW) hyperscale data centre in Lagos.
Nigeria’s NIN Enrolment Hits 117.3 Million as NIMC Expands Digital ID Initiatives
Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment reached 117.3 million registrations as of 28 February 2025, according to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
ATCON Calls for Telecom Policy Improvements in Nigeria
Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has called on the Nigerian Government to address policy gaps in the telecom sector to achieve digital inclusion and transformation.
Nigeria records largest global drop in cash usage as digital payments surge
Nigeria recorded the steepest decline in cash transactions to surpass six cash-reliant economies in the past decade thanks to the rapid adoption of digital payments and rising fintech partnerships, according to a report by global payment processing company Worldpay.
CNII: PIAFo engages telecoms stakeholders on strategies to protect Nigeria’s information infrastructure
Nigerian telecoms industry stakeholders are set to converge on Lagos for the 7th Edition of the Policy Implementation Assisted Forum, to discuss practical strategies to protect the estimated $75.6 billion Critical National Information Infrastructure in the West African country
WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities
Regulatory Policy Developments
February 27, 2025
Regulatory Policy Developments
January 31, 2025
Regulatory Policy Developments
January 20, 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
