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 is governed by the following organs:

The General Assembly: The supreme decision-making body of WATRA, composed of the heads of the national regulatory authorities of the member states.
The Executive Committee: The Executive body of WATRA, composed of the Chairman and two vice-chairmen elected by the General Assembly for a term of one year.
The Secretariat: The technical and operational body of WATRA, headed by the executive secretary appointed by the General Assembly for a term of three years.

WATRA plays a role in the regulation and development of the telecommunications and ICT sector in the West African region. WATRA performs the following main functions and roles:

Harmonizing the regulatory framework and policies for telecommunications and ICT in the region. WATRA develops and implements the West African Common Regulatory Framework for Telecommunications and ICT, which provides guidelines and principles for the regulation of the sector in the region. WATRA also coordinates and harmonizes the national policies and regulations of the member states to ensure consistency and compatibility in the region.

Promoting the development and integration of telecommunications and ICT infrastructure and services in the region. WATRA supports and facilitates the deployment and expansion of telecommunications and ICT infrastructure and services in the region, especially in the rural and underserved areas. WATRA also promotes the interconnection and interoperability of the telecommunications and ICT networks and services in the region, as well as the access and affordability of the telecommunications and ICT services for the consumers and operators in the region.

Fostering cooperation and collaboration among the member states and other regional and international organizations in the field of telecommunications and ICT. WATRA establishes and maintains close relations and partnerships with the member states and other stakeholders, such as the ECOWAS, the African Union, the International Telecommunication Union, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the private sector, the civil society, and the academia, in the field of telecommunications and ICT. WATRA also participates and represents the region in various regional and international forums, meetings, and events related to telecommunications and ICT.

WATRA