ITU and WATRA Partner to Boost ICT Infrastructure Mapping in West Africa
Published by
Samuel Bolaji
In a significant move to bolster connectivity and socio-economic development across West Africa, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) have signed a joint declaration to enhance collaboration on ICT infrastructure mapping.
The initiative underscores the critical role of comprehensive ICT infrastructure data and mapping in developing effective infrastructure strategies. Such data and maps are vital for bridging the digital divide, particularly in unserved and underserved communities, with Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) being pivotal in planning investments and making informed decisions.
Key Objectives and Activities
The partnership aims to combine the strengths of ITU and WATRA, leveraging their existing projects to avoid duplication of efforts and reduce costs. By harmonising procedures for high-quality infrastructure mapping, the collaboration seeks to expedite the integration of communities into the digital economy.
The ITU and WATRA partnership will focus on several strategic areas to enhance ICT infrastructure mapping:
Joint Advocacy: Both organisations will work together to emphasise the critical importance of collecting and managing infrastructure data. This advocacy will highlight how accurate data is essential for making informed decisions that drive connectivity and development.
Capacity Building: The collaboration will include initiatives to share resources and provide joint training sessions. These efforts aim to improve the skills and capabilities of member states in infrastructure and broadband mapping, ensuring they can effectively utilise GIS and other tools.
Technical Assistance: ITU and WATRA will offer technical support to member states, helping them review and update their existing infrastructure data. This assistance will ensure data accuracy and relevance, which are crucial for effective network planning and investment.
Enhanced Network Planning: By leveraging advanced data analytics, the partnership will provide insights that improve network planning. These insights will help identify the most efficient ways to expand and optimise ICT infrastructure across the region.
Regional Integration: The collaboration will facilitate the sharing of information on network interconnection gaps and opportunities. This regional approach aims to promote new infrastructure investments and partnerships, fostering a more integrated and robust ICT ecosystem in West Africa.
Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement: ITU and WATRA will advocate for greater transparency in ICT infrastructure data. They will work to ensure that this information is accessible through web-based platforms, allowing stakeholders to engage more effectively and make well-informed decisions.
By focusing on these areas, the ITU-WATRA partnership aims to create a more connected and economically vibrant West Africa, where all communities can benefit from the digital economy.
Expected Outcomes
The collaboration is expected to deliver several key outcomes, including:
Improved Data Consistency: Ensuring reliable and harmonised data across the region.
Informed Investment Decisions: Facilitating evidence-based decisions for infrastructure investments.
Streamlined Processes: Enhancing efficiency in decision-making and planning.
Enhanced Transparency: Providing open access to infrastructure information to engage stakeholders effectively.
Aliyu Aboki, Executive Secretary of WATRA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “WATRA is excited to partner with ITU on this vital initiative. Our collective efforts will not only enhance the quality of infrastructure mapping but also support our member states in making evidence-based decisions that will bridge the connectivity gap and foster economic growth.”
Samuel Bolaji
Samuel Bolaji, an alumnus/Scholar of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, holds a Master of Letters in Publishing Studies from the University of Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is an experienced researcher, multimedia journalist, writer, and Editor. Ex-Chief Correspondent, ex-Acting Op-Ed Editor, and ex-Acting Metro Editor at The PUNCH Newspaper, Samuel is currently the Editor at Arbiterz.
