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
NCC To Limit Telecom Operators to Seven Tariff Plans
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced an initiative to limit telecom operators to a maximum of seven tariff plans each, aiming to improve transparency and reduce the vast array of tariff options and promotional elements that make it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.
Nigeria caps telecom tariff plans to follow India’s lead
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is moving to simplify more than 369 existing telecoms tariff plans to help consumers make informed decisions.
Nigeria, UK tie up to combat cyber-crime
Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) have joined forces to combat rising cyber-crime as part of a broader strategic partnership between the two countries.
NCC Launches Tariff Simplification Initiative to Boost Telecom Transparency
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a major step to enhance transparency and improve consumer understanding in the telecom industry with its Tariff Simplification initiative.
ARTAO - Saisir les opportunités numériques pour la transformation économique en Afrique de l’Ouest
Aujourd’hui, à l’ère du numérique, la technologie est devenue une force transformatrice, remodelant les industries, bouleversant les modèles commerciaux traditionnels et autonomisant des millions de personnes dans le monde. L’Afrique de l’Ouest, une région riche en diversité culturelle et débordante d’énergie juvénile, se trouve à un tournant critique.
ARTCI democratizes USSD codes to boost financial services in Ivory Coast
In Côte d’Ivoire, the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority of Côte d’Ivoire (ARTCI) has just introduced an ambitious reform to facilitate access to USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes, a technology that allows access to mobile financial services without an Internet connection.
NCC to simplify mode of tracking data usage for telecom customers
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it will simplify the process of tracking data usage for customers to improve transparency in the telecom industry.
Nigerians use 336 gigabytes per second – NCC
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a significant surge in daily data usage, with a 39% increase from last year, averaging 336 gigabytes per second. This growth underscores the country’s shift towards a data-driven lifestyle. Executive Vice Chairman Maida Wada shared these insights at the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament in Abuja.
WATRA Working Group Moves to Harmonise Consumer Rights and Complaint Handling
The West African Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has unveiled critical recommendations aimed at harmonising consumer rights and standardising complaint-handling procedures across the region’s telecommunications sector.
WATRA’s Working Group on Infrastructure Development Envisions Roadmap for 5G and Digital Connectivity in West Africa
In a significant step towards bolstering digital transformation across West Africa, the Working Group on Infrastructure Development of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) held its first physical meeting in Banjul, The Gambia.
Election sparks social media blackout in Mauritius
On Friday, users in Mauritius were surprised when they couldn’t access popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
Ghana Launches 5G Network, Accelerating National Digital Transformation
Ghana launches 5G, prioritizing urban and rural connectivity, cybersecurity, and education to drive digital transformation.
Ivory Coast launches ANSSI to secure its digital space
Faced with the increase in digital threats and the growing risks to its critical infrastructure, Côte d’Ivoire recently set up an agency dedicated to cybersecurity: the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI).
Glo Has Lost 42m Subscribers in 8 Months
Globacom, an indigenous telecommunications service provider, has lost 42 million of its Nigerian active subscribers in the last eight months. This customer base decline between February and September occurred as a result of the deactivation subscriber identification modules (SIMs) that were not linked to the national identity numbers (NINs), according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Nigeria’s internet subscribers hit 132 million in Sept – NCC
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the country’s internet subscribers rose to 132.40 million in September 2024.
Starlink operator to provide satellite internet access in Niger
The Nigerien authorities and the satellite internet service provider Starlink signed an agreement on Tuesday for the operation of a satellite network license.
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.
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
