By Chinenye Anuforo
West Africa is poised for a digital revolution, as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has outlined a roadmap for 5G deployment and digital transformation. At a recent meeting in Banjul, The Gambia, WATRA member states, industry experts, and international organizations gathered to discuss strategies for accelerating the region’s digital future.
The inaugural meeting, aligned with WATRA’s 2024 Program of Activities, brought together representatives from eight member states, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. Key industry players, such as the GSM Association (GSMA), International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and LiviaSoft Technologies, also participated. The gathering focused on strengthening collaborative efforts and deepening initiatives to drive digital transformation across the region.
During the opening ceremony, The Gambia’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ousman Bah, stressed the importance of robust telecommunications infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected world.
Dr. Njogou 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.
WATRA Executive Secretary Engr. Aliyu Yusuf Aboki hailed the meeting as a pivotal moment, marking a renewed era of collaboration among member states. “This meeting underscores our shared commitment to advancing telecommunications and realizing the goals of our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan,” he stated.
A key outcome was the adoption of a work plan for the group’s flagship 5G infrastructure development project. Delegates examined 5G deployment progress across member states, focusing on licensing, spectrum allocation, and rollout challenges. They emphasized the importance of 4G adoption as a foundation for 5G, aiming for a seamless transition to next-generation connectivity.
The meeting also centered on developing a comprehensive 5G Implementation Roadmap to guide member states. Case studies from various countries provided valuable insights into licensing, quality of service, and overcoming challenges.
Industry experts from the GSMA and ITU shed light on 5G’s economic potential and the critical role of submarine cables in ensuring internet resilience. Engr. Aboki 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 importance of continuous collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to sustain progress in communications technology. The meeting’s recommendations will be presented to the WATRA Executive Committee to shape the future of telecommunications in West Africa.