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
Telcos set up group, deploy tech to protect infrastructure
The stakeholders at the meeting included regulators and law enforcement agencies. It was hosted by IHS Nigeria at its corporate headquarters in Lagos. The meeting was in response to the rising cases of fibre cuts, equipment theft, and vandalism of telecoms infrastructure.
Angola Cables’ TelCables West Africa connects to Megaport
Angola Cables subsidiary TelCables West Africa says it has partnered with global network-as-a-service (NaaS) provider Megaport to gain access to its portfolio of data centres and cloud nodes, making it the second such deal between Megaport and Angola this month.
Starlink price in Africa: full breakdown by country (March 2025)
Starlink has made significant strides in its expansion across Africa. As of early 2025, the satellite internet service is confirmed to be operational in many countries, demonstrating its commitment to the African market. The first African nation to embrace Starlink was Nigeria in January 2023.
Frequent attacks threatening telecoms investments — Operators
Industry leaders have identified important measures to secure telecommunications infrastructures in the country and ensure that investments in the telecoms space are protected. They argued that as much as the effective implementation of the Executive Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is important, the order cannot solely guarantee infrastructure safety except certain internal and standardisation issues are first resolved by operators.
Again, Labour Fumes, Threatens Shutdown of Telcos over Non-Implementation of 15 Percent Tariff Reduction
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is threatening to shut down operations of telecommunications companies over their refusal to comment on the 15 percent reduction in telecom tariffs. Recall that that organised labour, through the NLC, forced the federal government and NCC to reduce the telecommunications tariff hike from 50% to 35% after threatening to shut down telecom operations and the NCC in response to what it saw as exploitative economic policies amidst excruciating suffering, hardship, and deepening poverty.
Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Vision Hinges on Digital Backbone
Industry leaders at a summit on the implementation of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) framework in Nigeria have established a direct link between Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy ambition and the critical roles of digital infrastructure in the country.
WATRA tasks regional govts on green telecommunications, affordable spectrum
The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has called on policymakers, regulators and industry leaders across the region to prioritize green telecommunications and affordable spectrum pricing to drive sustainable digital growth in West Africa.
Ofcom wants UK to be ‘first in Europe’ to use direct-to-device satellite services
This week, UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has proposed new rules that would allow D2D satellite services to be provided using the same spectrum and terrestrial mobile networks.
Firm unveils AI-powered consumer intelligence platform
OCI 2.0 introduces advanced AI-driven analytics, precision-led business decision-making, and a redefined approach to data intelligence. This transformation is set to reshape how brands interpret, analyze, and leverage consumer insights, ensuring they can anticipate market shifts with unparalleled accuracy.
Securing Telecom Investments Beyond CNII Order – Experts
Industry leaders have outlined key measures to protect telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria, emphasising that securing investments in the sector requires more than just implementing the Executive Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
MTN, Airtel Africa Sign Landmark Network Infrastructure-Sharing Deal
Nigeria’s biggest telecommunications companies, the MTN Group and Airtel Africa, on Wednesday struck a deal to share mobile phone network infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda, a major breakthrough in the companies’ aim to enhance internet penetration and lower costs.
Nigeria: Stakeholders seek practical solutions to secure telecom infrastructure
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry leaders on Wednesday addressed some pressing issues impacting on the sector such as infrastructure vandalism, unauthorized installations, and cable theft, while proposing actionable solutions to safeguard the country’s critical national infrastructure.
Ethio Telecom, Mastercard explore financial services partnership
Ethio Telecom has announced a meeting with financial giant Mastercard to explore how the two companies can leverage technology to upgrade digital financial services.
UK internet trade bodies issue best practice guidance for telecoms poles
Trade associations for providers of internet services in the UK offer guidance outlines that encourage a community-conscious approach to telecoms infrastructure deployment
Smartphones to receive phone signals from space under Ofcom proposals
The telecoms regulator said it was proposing allowing standard mobile providers and satellite operators to use radio spectrum – the air waves used for mobile phone signal – to beam phone signal from satellites orbiting the planet to boost coverage and provide more back-up options during outages.
Nigeria’s digital payments, others to hit $1.5tn – Report
The digital payments economy in Nigeria and other African countries is projected to hit $1.5tn by the end of this decade, driven by improved internet penetration and financial inclusion rate. This estimate was indicated in the Mastercard-commissioned report by Genesis Analytics, which was made available to The PUNCH on Tuesday.
Are there alternatives to building out fibre in Africa?
As data-hungry services become prevalent globally, escalating data demand is hardly a new phenomenon – but addressing it can be a challenge in markets where fibre buildout is lacking. In terms of fibre deployment, many African countries face hurdles in terms of investment, logistics or both – so how can they address these, and are there any viable alternatives?
MTN, Airtel Agree to Network Sharing in Uganda and Nigeria
Driven to extend digital and financial inclusion across Africa, MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into agreements to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria, while ensuring compliance with local regulatory and statutory requirements.
Industry leaders to shape Nigeria’s digital future at Lagos confab
IoT West Africa, co-located with the Power and Water Nigeria Exhibition, is rapidly gaining momentum, securing participation from key public and private sector organizations. Scheduled for May 13-15, 2025 in Lagos, the events are poised to drive significant advancements in Nigeria’s infrastructure.
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.
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
