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
NITDA Director General Emphasises Cybersecurity’s Role in National Security
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has emphasised the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding the society. Inuwa made these remarks at a recent workshop titled “Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection and Resilience,” held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
Ivory Coast-AIP/ ARTCI presents the performance of the telecommunications sector and investments in strong growth
The Director of Telecommunications Regulation at the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority of Côte d’Ivoire (ARTCI), Guy-Michel Kouakou, presented on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the performance of the telecommunications sector and investments in strong growth during the weekly press conference “Tout Savoir Sur” , organized by the Government Information and Communication Center (CICG) in Abidjan-Plateau.
Nigeria’s broadband penetration plunges to 41.56% amid National Plan implementation
Broadband penetration in Nigeria declined to 41.56% in September even as the country intensifies efforts to achieve 70% through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020-2025).
Nigeria needs to ramp up action against cybercrime
The rising wave of cybercrime constitutes a huge threat to individuals, businesses, and governments in an increasingly digitalised world. According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, Nigeria lost about $500 million (N800 billion) to cybercrime in 2022 alone. Global losses could soon reach $10.5 trillion per the EFCC chair who spoke on Tuesday at the national cybercrime summit, citing multiple sources.
Globacom falls behind after new data shows subscriber count declined to 19.1 million
New data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that Globacom, the Nigerian telecoms company that was shut out of emails and work applications after a ransomware attack, has lost significant market share. The NCC reviewed subscriber data and found that Globacom telco had only 19.1 million active subscribers in September 2024, a significant decline from the 62.1 million subscribers it recorded in March 2024.
NIN-SIM verification costs Nigerian telcos 64.3 million subscribers
The recent National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM verification exercise has caused Nigerian mobile network operators to lose 64.3 million subscriptions, as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) concluded the programme on September 14, 2024.
Nigeria’s SIM-NIN Policy Hits Globacom, 9mobile Hardest; MTN, Airtel Brace for Revenue Impact
The enforcement of Nigeria’s SIM-NIN linkage policy has led to a sharp decline in active mobile subscriptions, with a recent data release from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealing a drop of over 64.3 million lines across major mobile network operators.
Nigeria’s fibre project gets boost from World Bank
Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, yesterday announced the World Bank has provided a significant boost to Nigeria’s efforts to deploy 90,000 km of fibre across the country.
NCC introduces telecom reforms to restore consumer confidence
The Nigerian Communication Commission said it is leading industry reforms aimed at restoring consumer confidence in the telecommunications sector. The regulator has introduced new measures to enhance transparency and accountability within the telecommunication sector.
Experts brainstorm on ways to enhance Nigeria’s cybersecurity defenses
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step in strengthening the country’s cybersecurity defences by hosting a Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Protection and Resilience Workshop. This landmark event, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, brought together policymakers and sector regulators to fortify cybersecurity across Nigeria’s key infrastructure sectors.
Airtel Africa grows customer base despite currency challenges
Airtel Africa reported customer base and profit growth, but continued to grapple with currency devaluation on the continent as revenues and EBITDA declined.
Telecoms Subscriber Numbers Slide from 219m in March to 153m in September
Following the completion of NIN-SIM linkage in September this year, subscriber number has dropped from 219,304,281 in March 2024 to 153,323,316 as at September 2024.
GSM: Benin among the two best rates in the sub-region (ARCEP)
The cost of communication in Benin stands out as one of the most attractive in the West African sub-region, according to Hervé Guedegbe, Executive Secretary of the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP). He points out that the country has some of the lowest GSM rates in the sub-region.
Telecoms FDI grows to 7-year high despite hurdles
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nigeria’s telecom sector surged by 537.26 percent to a seven-year high of $304.99 million in the first half of 2024. However, industry experts have said this growth is insufficient to close the sector’s investment gaps or return it to profitability.
Starlink complies with NCC’s regulation, suspends ‘unilateral’ Internet tariff hikes
Starlink, a satellite Internet provider, suspends its recent service tariff increments, following expressed concerns by the Nigerian Communications Commission, industry stakeholders cum players, and telecoms consumers.
Elon Musk’s Starlink reverses tariff hike in Nigeria after regulatory sanction
Elon Musk’s Starlink has announced the suspension of its monthly service tariff hike for Nigerian users weeks after regulatory sanction by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.
NCC brings in rules to simplify tariffs
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has commenced reforms aimed at restoring consumer confidence in the telecoms industry after recent reports of persistent disruptions, such as frequent call drops and data outages
Mobile Phone Subscribers Shrink 30% As SIM-NIN Policy Takes Effect
Nigeria’s active mobile subscriber base saw a significant drop, falling by 30.09 per cent to 153.32 million as of September 2024, following the conclusion of the SIM-NIN linkage mandate.
NCC to sanction Starlink for breaking regulatory chain
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has found Starlink guilty of breaching part of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003. This is after the satellite internet company announced an increment in subscriptions before the regulator granted approval.
AE Technologies Launches NCC-Approved Consumer Code to Boost Transparency, Service Quality, and Customer Control
AE Technologies Limited has received approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its Individual Consumer Code of Practice (ICCP), effective October 18, 2024. The code outlines measures to ensure consumer protection, fair service delivery, and efficient complaint handling.
WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities
Regulatory Policy Developments
July 4, 2024
Regulatory Policy Developments
May 17, 2024
Regulatory Policy Developments
May 8, 2024
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
