The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has confirmed its partnership with the ECOWAS Commission at the recent annual ECOWAS Digital Observatory (ECODOB) meeting in Praia, Cabo Verde, according to a press statement dated June 7, 2024. The ceremony, according to the statement, “marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure, data accuracy, and cybersecurity across West Africa.”
National Correspondents for Indicators (NCIs) from 11 ECOWAS member states, including Benin, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, participated in the meeting. This year marked WATRA's inaugural participation, following a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the ECOWAS Commission to improve the ECODOB programme.
The primary objective of the meeting was to validate data received from NCIs and review the 2023 digital report on telecommunications, ICT, and postal services. Participants engaged in comprehensive discussions on regional telecommunications trends from 2021 to 2023, Internet subscription metrics, and infrastructure mapping, which included West African submarine and terrestrial fiber cable infrastructure, IXPs, and data centers. Postal service indicators, such as coverage areas and financial results, were also reviewed.
WATRA delivered a presentation, highlighting the importance of accurate and relevant data and proposing ways of collaboration based on best practices from ITU and GSMA.
Mr. Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, Executive Secretary of WATRA, reiterated WATRA’s commitment to this partnership, stating, “WATRA is dedicated to collaborating with ECOWAS to ensure that our digital infrastructure meets the highest standards. This meeting has been a significant step towards that goal.”
The meeting resulted in several key recommendations, including shifting focus to Internet subscription metrics, setting up a subcommittee for cybersecurity indicators, harmonising data collection methods, and enhancing collaboration with national regulatory authorities on cybersecurity. Other recommendations involved updating the national terrestrial map annually, including telecommunication tariff indicators, and revamping the ECODOB platform for better data analysis and reporting.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Marie Ndé SENE AHOUANTCHEDE, Programme Officer for e-government and e-application of the ECOWAS Commission, expressed gratitude to WATRA for their active participation. “We are optimistic about further fruitful collaborations between the ECOWAS Commission and the Member States to enhance the ECODOB programme,” she said.
Mrs. Leonide Dos Santos, President of ARME, emphasized the role of ECODOB in the digital ecosystem, saying, “We remain committed to working on the statistical indicators of the telecommunications, ICT, and postal sectors to contribute to constructing the desired digital market in ECOWAS.”
Mrs. Larai Mohammed, the chairperson, expressed her gratitude to all participants and emphasized the importance of the ongoing efforts. She invited NCIs to ensure timely and accurate data submission for future validations and wished everyone a safe journey back to their respective countries.
WATRA's collaboration with ECOWAS at the ECODOB meeting marks a significant advancement in the region's digital and postal sectors. This partnership aims to drive sustainable digital transformation and economic growth across West Africa by focusing on data accuracy, infrastructure enhancement, and cybersecurity.
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About WATRA
The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) is a collaborative body comprising telecommunications regulatory authorities from 15 ECOWAS member states and Mauritania. Established to promote the adoption and harmonization of efficient telecommunications regulations, WATRA works with national telecommunication regulatory authorities to stimulate investment in telecommunication infrastructure, deliver more affordable communication services to citizens, enable faster and more secure economic transactions, and facilitate wider and easier access to public services. WATRA is improving telecommunication sector regulation for financial transformation and social development across West Africa by fostering cooperation among member states and enhancing regulatory frameworks. Through partnerships, research, and capacity-building activities, WATRA is committed to ensuring the accessibility, affordability, and security of telecommunications services for all communities in the region.
Contact:
West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA)
Email: info@watra.org
Phone: +234 803 333 1053
Website: www.watra.org
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