The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has announced plans to develop a 5G Implementation Roadmap aimed at accelerating digital transformation across West African nations.
According to WATRA, this initiative was the primary focus of its inaugural Working Group on Infrastructure Development meeting, recently hosted by the Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
Themed “Enhancing Digital Transformation in West Africa: Strengthening Connectivity, Security, and Access,” the meeting highlights the importance of a regional approach to 5G deployment
WATRA’s planned 5G roadmap is intended to guide member states through the complexities of rolling out 5G networks, offering a structured path to address licensing, infrastructure, and spectrum allocation.
While Nigeria initiated 5G services with MTN in 2022 and Airtel in 2023, the current penetration rate is still low, standing at only 2.19% as of September 2024. Ghana recently joined the 5G scene, launching its first network this month, while other West African nations continue to lay groundwork for their own deployments.
As part of the roadmap’s development, the Assembly’s meeting included case studies from various countries to gain insights on licensing models, quality of service expectations, and challenges that may arise in 5G rollout.
Delegates at the meeting adopted a work plan for a flagship 5G infrastructure project, focusing on issues such as spectrum costs and the prerequisites for transitioning from 4G to 5G technology.
The Executive Secretary of WATRA, Engr. Aliyu Aboki, hailed the gathering as a significant milestone for the Assembly, marking a renewed phase of collaboration among member countries.
“This meeting underscores our shared commitment to advancing telecommunications and achieving the strategic pillars of our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan,” Aboki stated, emphasizing the collective vision of regional digital advancement.
Established in 2002, WATRA serves as a collaborative platform for telecommunications and ICT regulators in West Africa. The organization plays a key role in harmonizing regulatory frameworks and policies across the region, ensuring consistency in telecommunications standards and supporting the exchange of best practices among member states.
Through the roadmap, WATRA aims to streamline 5G deployment across West Africa, addressing gaps in connectivity and setting the stage for a digitally integrated sub-region.
By coordinating efforts among regulators and governments, WATRA hopes to position West Africa as a leader in digital transformation, fostering connectivity, security, and access in line with the region’s development goals.