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
Free roaming effective between Togo and Ghana
As in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, mobile phone subscribers in Togo have been able to experience free roaming in Ghana since October 9. The Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) and the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana have implemented the agreement signed on November 1, 2023 , making free roaming effective for travelers roaming in both countries.
LASG seeks action on cybersecurity as awareness month kicks off
The Lagos State Government is joining the rest of the World to mark the Y2024 Cyber Security Awareness Month, with a challenge to all to prioritise online safety. According to the government, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
Cybercrime centre seeks collaboration to bolster cybersecurity
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the nation’s cyber security.
Mali lifts Starlink ban, Liberia says welcome
Mali’s military government has decided to lift its seven-month ban on Starlink satellite Internet kits, letting citizens reconnect to the service for six months while they work on a new regulatory framework.
NITDA Begins Cyber Security Awareness Month
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has started the 2024 cyber security awareness campaign. A statement from the office of the director-general of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, said the awareness would focus on the growing of cyber-attacks.
Nigeria is Pacesetter in Fight Against Cybercrime in Africa, Says Interpol
The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), has said that the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), is setting the pace in the fight against cybercrime in Africa.
Telcos condemn hike in Starlink’s internet subscription
The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria has condemned Starlink’s decision to raise internet subscription prices without prior approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission, labeling the move a significant affront to regulatory authority.
MTN Ads Launches in Nigeria and South Africa, Redefining Digital Advertising in Africa
MTN Ads launches in Nigeria and South Africa, providing data-driven, zero-rated advertising solutions, transforming digital marketing across Africa.
Starlink gets a one-year licence in Liberia to expand Internet coverage
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has signed a one-year licencing agreement with Starlink to increase high-speed Internet access throughout Liberia, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
NCC to introduce Revised Governance Code for Sustainable Telecom Practices
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is preparing to issue a revised corporate governance code, updating the 2016 version with a key focus on the introduction of mandatory sustainability reporting for telecom operators.
Ghana officially launches free roaming with Togo and Benin
Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has officially launched a bilateral Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Free Roaming initiative between Ghana and Togo and Ghana and Benin.
LTA Hosts Three-Day Conference on Combating Cyber-Crime Threat In Liberia
Liberia Telecommunication Authority ( LTA) has commenced a three-day cybersecurity conference aimed at confronting and tackling the rising threat of cybercrime in the country.
Taxation/Telecoms in Niger: Pooling of efforts between the DGI and ARCEP
The Director General of Taxes, Mr. Abdourahamane Malam Saley and the Director General of the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), Colonel-Major Chaibou Idrissa signed this Tuesday, October *, 2024, a memorandum of understanding to fight against tax fraud in the telecommunications sector.
LTA, Starlink Sign Landmark Deal
In a move set to transform Liberia’s digital landscape, the government, through the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), has signed a historic one-year licensing agreement with Starlink Liberia LLC, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Ghana's NCA approves Starlink's application for broadband services
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has approved the application of Space X Starlink to offer satellite broadband services in Ghana.
NCC, others push for enhanced fintech regulations, says Maida
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, has said that the NCC, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission, is working to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the financial technology sector in the country.
NCC concludes NIN-SIM linkage for all phone numbers
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the completion of the federal government’s policy linking all phone numbers in the country to a National Identification Number (NIN).
NCC Takes Steps to Enforce Consumer Protection After Starlink Price Hike
The NCC’s action, which began on October 3, 2024, underscores the commission’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring compliance with established telecommunications regulations. Starlink’s failure to seek approval before implementing the price hike has raised concerns about the affordability and accessibility of satellite internet services for Nigerian consumers.
Termii Launches Global eSIM API Service in Partnership with SIU Telecoms for Seamless Data Roaming Across 180 + Countries.
Termii , a leader in communication technology servicing over 20,000 businesses and 10M end-users monthly, is proud to announce the launch of Sotel, a new global eSIM API service, in partnership with Siu Telecoms. The cutting-edge API solution is designed to revolutionize how businesses across various sectors – banking, fintech, travel, tourism, and aviation – provide seamless global connectivity.
NCC begins pre-enforcement action on Starlink over price hike
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday criticised Starlink’s recent data tariff increase, stating that the decision was implemented without regulatory approval.
WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities
Regulatory Policy Developments
May 8, 2024
Regulatory Policy Developments
May 7, 2024
Regulatory Policy Developments
March 25, 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
