In a significant step towards bolstering digital transformation across West Africa, the Working Group on Infrastructure Development of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) held its first physical meeting in Banjul, The Gambia.
Hosted by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) of The Gambia, the meeting revolved around the theme, “Enhancing Digital Transformation in West Africa: Strengthening Connectivity, Security, and Access.”
This inaugural meeting, aligned with WATRA’s 2024 Program of Activities, drew participation from eight member states, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal, as well as key representatives from the GSM Association (GSMA), International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and LiviaSoft Technologies. The gathering aimed to strengthen collaborative exchanges and deepen efforts towards the region’s digital transformation.
During the opening ceremony, The Gambia’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Hon. Ousman Bah, stressed the importance of robust telecommunications infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected world. Dr. Njogou L. Bah, Director General of PURA, welcomed attendees, emphasizing the need for cooperation to unlock West Africa’s digital potential. He urged participants to use the opportunity to drive meaningful change in telecommunications across the region.
Engr. Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, Executive Secretary of WATRA, hailed the meeting as a critical moment in WATRA’s journey, marking a renewed era of collaboration and active participation among member states. “This meeting underscores our shared commitment to advancing telecommunications and achieving the strategic pillars of our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan,” Engr. Aboki noted. He also reiterated WATRA’s dedication to delivering on its mandate and fostering integration across the region.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting was the adoption of a work plan for the group’s flagship project on 5G infrastructure development. Delegates examined the progress of 5G deployment across WATRA member states, focusing on licensing processes, spectrum costs, and the challenges encountered in the rollout. They also stressed the importance of understanding the status of 4G adoption as a prerequisite for broader 5G implementation, aiming for a smooth and efficient transition to next-generation connectivity.
Further discussions centered on the development of the 5G Implementation Roadmap, a comprehensive document designed to guide member states through the complexities of 5G rollout. Case studies from various countries were shared, offering valuable insights into licensing, quality of service, and overcoming challenges.
Presentations by industry experts, including GSMA’s Kamal Tamawa and ITU’s Walid Mathlouthi, shed light on the economic potential of 5G and the challenges of maintaining submarine cables, critical to the region’s internet resilience. Engr. Aboki’s presentation highlighted the need for improved internet infrastructure in West Africa, calling for enhanced connectivity through stronger submarine cable penetration.
As the meeting concluded, participants agreed on the need for continuous collaboration, with a focus on capacity building and knowledge management to sustain progress in communications technology.
The recommendations from the meeting will be presented to the WATRA Executive Committee for further action, setting the stage for future advancements in the telecommunications sector across West Africa.
