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

Nigeria Faced Nearly 6.5 Million Cyber Threats in H1 2025, Kaspersky Warns

According to data from Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity company, Sub-Saharan Africa saw 42.4 million web attacks and 95.6 million on-device attacks detected in the first half of 2025. The region recorded more than a double increase in spyware, 64% more password stealer attacks and 12% more backdoor infections compared with the same period of last year.

NIGCOMSAT Eyes $5m Revenue through Broadband Expansion

Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd. (NIGCOMSAT) has announced plans to generate N8 billion (some $5 million) in revenue within the next three years through expansion of its broadband services.

WATRA applauds Nigeria’s broadband mapping leadership

The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has lauded Nigeria’s pioneering role in broadband mapping harmonisation across the sub-region, describing the country’s model as a benchmark for West Africa’s digital transformation agenda.

Liquid’s Fibre TechCelerate Programme Powers SMMEs for South Africa’s Digital Future

In East London, excitement filled the air as 20 SMMEs and 10 female ICT students from Walter Sisulu University proudly walked across the stage to receive their certifications. It wasn’t just a graduation ceremony, it was a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the promise of a digitally inclusive South Africa.

NCC Claims Nigeria’s Telecom Tariffs among Cheapest despite 50 Percent Hike

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has defended the recent upward review of telecom tariffs, insisting that Nigeria’s rates remain among the cheapest in the world due to strong industry competition.

ntel Eyes 2026 Return to Nigeria’s Telco Market

Nigeria’s pioneering telecoms operator, ntel (formerly NITEL), is eyeing a return from dormancy, with a preliminary target of first quarter of 2026. According to a report from a tech platform, Technology Times, the return of the telco is underpinned by a strategic N30 billion injection from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Ghana Unveils Strategy to Position Itself as Continental Tech Leader

Ghana is actively pursuing its goal of becoming Africa’s leading digital trade hub, as announced by Deputy Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Mohammed Adam Sukparu.

WATRA applauds Nigeria’s broadband mapping leadership

NCC, Wikimedia Nigeria Discuss Responsible Access to Creative Works in Digital Space

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible, responsive and sustainable access to creative works in the digital environment, in a manner that balances the interests of all stakeholders within the copyright and knowledge ecosystem.

Liberia Telecommunications Authority Boosts Connectivity, Ends Service Disruptions

The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has announced the successful restoration and strengthening of network coverage in several towns across the country. Fully operational towers are now located in Putu-Telma (Grand Gedeh County), Senyah Town (Grand Bassa County), Velehnyan (Bong County), Mecca Town (Bomi County), Ziah Town (Nimba County), and Yerederbo Gbon (Maryland County).

Ghana’s Deputy Minister Urges Africa to Shift from Digital Dependence to Digital Determination

In a recent address at the AMC–TICON Africa Joint Conference in Accra, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, called for Africa to shift from being digitally dependent to digitally determined.

Turkey’s 5G spectrum auction is due in October

Turkey is officially going ahead with 5G spectrum auction plans. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced earlier this week that the 5G frequency tender would take place in October.

Tower firms deploy trackers to protect telecom infrastructure

Nigeria’s telecommunications operators are introducing tougher security measures to protect infrastructure from a surge in vandalism and theft that has disrupted services and raised costs across the industry.

IHS Nigeria’s Push for Infrastructure Protection in the Digital Economy

IHS Nigeria, part of the IHS Holding Limited group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has stressed that robust infrastructure protection mechanisms will be critical in enthroning a more efficient digital economy in the country.

Why States May Lock Out Of Telecom Investments, Improved Connectivity – ALTON

Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria ,ALTON, has said that some states in the country may be locked out of telecom investments and improved connectivity because of their hostile policies.

NCC’s policy shift triggers $1bn investment wave in Nigeria’s telecoms sector

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is on the cusp of a $1 billion investment boom, following a policy shift by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that has already triggered a wave of capital inflows.

Unregistered SIMs removed from telecoms network, NCC says

The Nigerian Communications Commission has said that it has successfully eliminated all unregistered subscriber identity modules from the country’s telecommunications network, describing the development as a major step towards strengthening national and cyber security.

IoT solution promises to revolutionise logistics in sub-Saharan Africa

IoT connectivity solutions enabler floLIVE has announced the launch of what it calls a groundbreaking connectivity offering designed to revolutionise the monitoring of transportation and logistics in sub-Saharan Africa.

NCC policies attracting more telecoms, tech investors — CIDG

The Coalition for Inclusive Digital Growth has said Nigeria’s telecoms sector is pulling in major local and foreign investments due to a stable regulatory environment and expanding broadband coverage. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition credited the Nigerian Communications Commission’s rural internet rollout and infrastructure push for boosting economic activity in underserved communities.

Tinubu Strengthens Telecom Governance with NCC, USPF Board Appointments

President Bola Tinubu has appointment members into the boards of the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Universal Service Provision Fund, both under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities

Regulatory Policy Developments

Navigating the Digital Frontier: WATRA at GSR-26

May 18, 2026

Regulatory Policy Developments

Recognition of Mr. Ruffus Samuel for Outstanding Contribution at the 23rd WATRA Annual General Assembly

April 29, 2026

Regulatory Policy Developments

WATRA’s 23rd AGM Charts a New Digital Future, Unveiling the 2026–2030 Strategic Vision Under Chairman Michel Galley’s Leadership

April 29, 2026

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.