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
Zambia to Host Second Digital Government Africa Summit, Focusing on Cybersecurity and Digital Education
Zambia will host the Digital Government Africa Summit, focusing on digital security, education, and cross-border collaboration across 33 countries.
INTERPOL apprehends West African cyber-crime group
International Police (INTERPOL) has once again busted a West African cyber-crime gang, striking a significant blow to criminal operations in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria
Togo / Arcep: although satisfied with operators, consumers denounce still high prices
With the idea of constantly improving services, the French Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (Arcep) has launched the 2024 customer satisfaction survey. Carried out among consumers of electronic communications services and posts in Togo, this survey allowed consumers to express their opinion on the services. Thus, consumers, while denouncing still high prices, are generally more satisfied with operators compared to 2023.
New ITU initiative focuses on submarine cable resilience
A timely announcement from the ITU, the United Nations specialised agency for digital technology, is aimed at enhancing efforts to protect the world’s digital infrastructure and secure global connectivity. To be precise, it’s about submarine cables.
Airtel to pioneer adoption of green technologies, create data centre
Airtel Africa Plc, has disclosed that it would be pioneering the adoption of green technology in the Nigeria’s telecommunications sector with the creation of data centre.
SEACOM partners with US-based Arctic Wolf on security solutions
As Africa becomes a profitable hunting field for cyber criminals, SEACOM today announced a partnership with US-based cyber security business Arctic Wolf to equip its clients with ‘advanced security operations solutions’ to battle the continent’s mounting threats.
Electronic communications / customer satisfaction: what the 2024 survey data (ARCEP) says
The results of the 2024 customer satisfaction survey conducted by the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) reveal an improvement in the quality of services. This is the feeling expressed by consumers, around 15,000 having participated in the 2024 survey. “Consumers are generally more satisfied compared to June 2023 ,” the regulator notes.
Glosskode Announces Strategic Partnership With ARCO To Revolutionise Drone Services In Nigeria’s Telecom Sector
Glosskode is excited to unveil a groundbreaking partnership with ARCO Worldwide, introducing advanced drone services to revolutionize the telecommunications sector in Nigeria. This collaboration delivers cutting-edge solutions that enhance how telecom companies manage and maintain their critical infrastructure.
WATRA to regulate satellite services in Nigeria, other W/African countries
The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has developed a comprehensive framework aimed at regulating the growing challenges posed by the introduction of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbits (NGSO) services across West Africa..
USTDA Supports Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Africa
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency will bring a delegation of leaders from Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal to the United States to build partnerships in support of strengthening cybersecurity in the countries’ critical infrastructure.
Starlink Reaches Major Milestone with 4 Million Global Connections
Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, has reached a significant milestone by connecting more than 4 million users across over 100 countries and territories..
FG’s enforcement of infrastructure law critical to telecoms growth — Airtel
Airtel Nigeria has disclosed that protecting telecommunications network infrastructure is crucial to the sector’s sustained growth.
NCC Calls for Flexible Policies to Retain Telecom Talent
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called upon telecom operators in Nigeria to implement flexible work policies, enhance compensation, and cultivate a culture of innovation to attract and retain talent amidst a growing exodus of skilled professionals abroad.
GSMA, MTN, Other Telecom Operators Launch AI Safety Roadmap
The GSMA has launched the first industry-wide Responsible AI (RAI) Maturity Roadmap to provide telecoms operators with the tools and guidance to test and assess their responsible use of the technology.
Telecoms in Togo: How users become the guardians of the quality of services
In Togo, consumers are gradually asserting themselves as key players in the regulation of electronic communications. This role, often referred to as “micro-regulation”, is the result of coordinated efforts between ARCEP (the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts) and consumer associations such as the Togolese Consumer Association (ATC).
Telecom Operators Turn To Renewables As Monthly Energy Bill Hits N56bn
Telecommunication companies have increased their reliance on renewable energy sources as the soaring cost of diesel, which reached N56.24 billion in monthly expenses, continues to strain operators.
NCC, stakeholders set ambitious targets for broadband access to all Nigerians with 10 – 25 minimum speeds by 2025
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has confirmed that it is working with major stakeholders in the telecoms industry to meet the ambitious targets of ensuring that broadband access is available to all Nigerians, with minimum speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas by 2025.
NCC seeks better working conditions for telecom workers in Nigeria amid brain drain concerns
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged telecom operators in Nigeria to adopt flexible work policies, better remunerations, and foster a culture of innovation to create an environment that attracts and retains talent.
Airtel Nigeria Goes Green as Diesel Costs Hit N28Bn
Airtel Nigeria is taking steps to switch from diesel to solar energy as it seeks a more cost-efficient way to power its telecom infrastructure.
Russia Signs Satellite Deal With Three West African Military Juntas
Russia will deploy telecommunications and remote-sensing satellites over three West African countries led by military juntas that had already cut ties with American and European allies and turned toward the Kremlin for military support to contain Islamist insurgents..
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
