Members of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Association (WATRA), along with its Executive Secretariat, have taken a significant step forward in advancing the sub-region’s digital agenda. Under the guidance of ECOWAS, their participation at the Second African Preparatory Meeting for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (APM27-2) in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 12–15, 2025, was instrumental in shaping a unified African strategy for the upcoming WRC-27.

WATRA’s participation in this meeting aligns with its core mandate to strengthen regulatory harmonization and promote investment, which supports regional integration. This is in line with a key objective of the WATRA 2022 – 2025 Strategic Plan, which stresses the harmonization of ICT regulation for a common West African market. The collaboration also reinforces WATRA’s Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ECOWAS, which aims to align policies and enhance cooperation.

Strategic Priorities for a Connected West Africa

WATRA members focused on critical agenda items that will shape the future of telecommunications in the sub-region. A key focus was on satellite communication and the expansion of connectivity through satellite-based technologies like Direct-to-Device (D2D) communications supported by ESIM integrations and small antennas. This directly addresses the need for enhanced rural broadband, as well as improved aviation and maritime connectivity.

Other important agenda items discussed included:

• Protecting FSS/BSS services in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band to secure broadcasting and next-gen satellite services.
• Curbing unauthorized non-GSO (non-geostationary orbit) operations to prevent interference and security risks.
• Ensuring equitable access to Q/V bands to prevent monopolization and maintain sovereignty over critical resources.
• Protecting the 71–86 GHz band for the deployment of 5G and 6G services, balancing innovation with terrestrial security.

Key Achievements and a Path Forward

The meeting, which had the Executive Secretary of WATRA, Mr. Aliyu Yusuf Aboki in attendance, resulted in significant progress, including the agreement on an IMT Spectrum Roadmap for Africa and the advancement of frameworks for 5G readiness and IoT. The second edition of the AfriSAP and AfriSAC tools, which include online platforms for coordination, were also launched. These outcomes present opportunities for West Africa to expand rural broadband, deploy IoT solutions for various sectors, and enhance maritime and aviation connectivity.

To continue this momentum, WATRA members encouraged to actively engage in upcoming ITU-R and WRC-27 negotiations. The focus will remain on advocating for fair spectrum allocation, deploying satellite services without compromising 4G/5G/6G plans, and building technical expertise in spectrum management and negotiations.

WATRA remains optimistic about the future of the West African telecommunications sector. Through strengthened collaboration and a unified stance on mutual interests, the region is well-positioned to influence global decisions, protect its spectrum sovereignty, and accelerate digital transformation for inclusive socio-economic development.