WATRA Plans 5G Roadmap to Propel Digital Transformation Across West Africa
The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has announced plans to create a 5G Implementation Roadmap to accelerate digital transformation across the West African sub-region. This initiative aims to guide member nations through the complexities of 5G deployment, fostering connectivity, security, and access in the region.
The announcement emerged from the inaugural meeting of WATRA’s Working Group on Infrastructure Development, hosted by The Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). Themed “Enhancing Digital Transformation in West Africa: Strengthening Connectivity, Security, and Access,” the meeting centered on creating a roadmap for a phased rollout of 5G technology in West Africa.
The roadmap will be a comprehensive guide for member countries, addressing licensing procedures, spectrum costs, and challenges in 5G deployment. Despite Nigeria’s early lead with the launch of 5G networks by MTN in 2022 and Airtel in 2023, adoption rates remain low at 2.19% as of September 2024, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Ghana recently joined the 5G landscape with its first network launch this month, while other West African countries are preparing for adoption.
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WATRA highlighted that case studies shared during the meeting offered valuable insights into the nuances of 5G deployment, providing member states with examples of best practices and strategies for overcoming infrastructure and regulatory challenges.
Delegates also evaluated the status of 4G technology as an essential precursor to successful 5G integration, underscoring the importance of a steady transition to next-generation connectivity.
Executive Secretary of WATRA, Engr. Aliyu Aboki, praised the meeting as a landmark event in the organization’s strategic efforts, emphasizing the collective commitment to advancing telecommunications in alignment with WATRA’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.
“This meeting underscores our shared commitment to advancing telecommunications and achieving the strategic pillars of our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan,” Engr. Aboki stated.
He further reiterated WATRA’s dedication to fostering regional integration and development through enhanced telecommunications and ICT infrastructure.
Founded in 2002, WATRA serves as a central platform for telecommunications and ICT regulators across West Africa, working to harmonize regulatory frameworks and coordinate policies.
The organization has been instrumental in developing the West African Common Regulatory Framework for Telecommunications and ICT, which guides member states toward consistent and compatible regulatory practices across the region.
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