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, connectivity and consumer sensitisation to protect telecoms infrastructure
As part of its continued consumer education and sensitisation campaign for protection of the country’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has asserted that telecoms infrastructure is a lifeline for effective and sustainable economy in the modern world.
Niger Signs MoUs for National e-ID and Biometric Passport Infrastructure
In a move to modernize its national identification infrastructure, the Government of Niger has signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Libyan technology company Al Itissan Al-Jadeed.
Starlink Fully Resumes New Activations in Nigeria, Expands Access to Major Cities
Starlink, the satellite internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has officially resumed new customer activations in Nigeria after more than seven months of suspension. The company had halted new residential kit orders in November 2024, with prospective users receiving a notice that activations were temporarily on hold pending regulatory clearance from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Ghana: 5G Launch Stalls Amid Regulatory Delays And Industry Hurdles
Last year, in November, Ghana held a grand ceremony at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel to mark the launch of its first shared 4G/5G network under the Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC). Despite the fanfare, the service was not operational — and remains offline six months later.
Ghana’s Minister of Communication Pushes for Stronger Tech Ties with China
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has made a compelling call for strengthened technology partnerships between Ghana and China, outlining key areas of collaboration during the Ghana–China Business Summit held at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on Friday, June 27, 2025.
Open banking: CBN cautions Nigerian banks, fintechs on cybersecurity risks
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerian banks and fintechs to be wary of cybersecurity risks as they move into open banking. The Director of Payments System Policy at the CBN, Mr. Musa Jimoh, gave this charge while speaking during the Q2 Regulators Forum of the FintechNGR themed, “Beyond Compliance: Unlocking Innovation with Nigeria’s Open Banking Framework”.
Starlink resumes Nigerian activations after regulatory pause
Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has resumed new customer activations in Nigeria, following an expansion of its network capacity and a regulatory pause that halted residential orders late last year.
Ghana’s Innovation Hubs Bounce Back with Global Backing and Local Drive
From Accra to outlying areas, Ghana’s innovation hubs are showing what’s possible when local knowledge meets international support. This is how they’re scaling solutions, building networks, and shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Digital Realty’s new Ghana data centre to host LINX Accra IXP
The London Internet Exchange (LINX) announced on Wednesday it is expanding its partnership with Digital Realty into west Africa via a deal to establish its planned internet exchange point (IXP) for Ghana in Digital Realty’s upcoming data centre in Accra.
Intelsat Partners with WPDI to Deliver Satellite-Enabled Education in East Africa
Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, announced a groundbreaking partnership with Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian Forest Whitaker’s nonprofit, the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), to revolutionize access to education in conflict-affected regions across Africa.
Nigeria charts new path on data protection, but here’s what it means for the tech ecosystem
A decade ago, little was said about what happened to users’ personal data when they filled out an online form or used a mobile app. As a result, most Nigerians were unaware of the need for data privacy.
Rack Centre and TelCables Nigeria announce strategic collocation agreement
West African Tier III carrier and cloud-neutral data centre Rack Centre says it has signed a strategic collocation agreement with network operator TelCables Nigeria, a subsidiary of Angola Cables.
Powering telecom sector for improved connectivity
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has seen remarkable growth, transforming how millions connect with people and do business. However, beneath this impressive facade lies a silent and often crippling struggle: the pervasive issue of unreliable power supply, which must be tackled to unlock the next phase of growth in the sector, ADEYEMI ADEPETUN writes.
LINX selects Digital Realty as New IXP Access Point in Ghana
The data centre leader Digital Realty is in the final stages of its new facility in Accra, ACR2 – a state-of-the-art data centre strategically located within close proximity to several submarine landing cable stations in the city.
Telecommunications: Orange-Senegal company in dire straits in Guinea!!!
The least that can be said is that means related to telecommunications, notably the telephone and mobile internet tools, are increasingly becoming a luxury for Guineans. The corrupt Guinean executives’ decision to award the contract to Orange-Senegal, not even to Orange France, has been a factor.
Flutterwave secures Cameroon licence as part of Africa-wide expansion
Flutterwave has secured approval to operate as a licensed payment service provider in Cameroon, marking another step in its ambitious drive to build Africa’s most extensive digital payments network.
Post MainOne acquisition, Equinix says it will enable, not compete in telecom market
On June 20, 2025—eight months after completing its $320 million acquisition and integration of MainOne, Nigeria’s pioneering private submarine cable operator—Equinix hosted its first community meeting with key players in Nigeria’s digital network and infrastructure ecosystem.
LINX and ISOC Ghana partner to enhance network resilience across Ghana
The London Internet Exchange (LINX), a leading Internet Exchange Point (IXP) operator enhancing digital infrastructure across the UK, Africa, and the United States, has stepped into a new community partnership with the Internet Society (ISOC) Ghana Chapter, marking a significant milestone in the development of Ghana’s digital infrastructure.
CNII: NCC, security agencies move to arrest, prosecute vandals of telecoms infrastructure
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has hinted at a collaboration with security agencies to arrest, prosecute vandals and other offenders that damage the country’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) in the country.
Senegal Universal Service Fund seeks more resources to deploy network sites
Senegal’s Universal Telecommunications Service Development Fund (FDSUT) has called for increased financial resources to accelerate the implementation of its connectivity projects, Ecofin reported.
WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities
Regulatory Policy Developments
April 11, 2025
Regulatory Policy Developments
February 27, 2025
Regulatory Policy Developments
January 31, 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
