WATRA seeks unified regulatory framework
In a bid to unlock Africa’s vast digital potential, the West African Telecommunications Regulators Assembly has advocated for a unified regulatory framework to propel the continent’s digital growth.
According to the President of WATRA in a chat with The PUNCH, Amara Brewah, infrastructure is a critical challenge for development across Africa, and a regulatory framework is necessary to encourage investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
He stated that WATRA aimed to facilitate the building of necessary infrastructure to drive technological advancement, digital penetration, and economic growth across the region.
“We aim to be a one-stop shop for regulators within the sub-region, providing benchmarking and best practices that member states can adopt. However, the implementation of these regulations ultimately depends on each country’s specific circumstances, including governmental and societal factors,” he stated.
WATRA was established in 2002 as a result of the need for a common platform for the telecommunications and ICT regulators in the West African region to exchange information, share best practices, and coordinate their actions.
In its report, titled: “The Future of Work in Africa: Harnessing the Potential of Digital Technologies for All”, the World Bank emphasised that regulatory frameworks significantly influence Africa’s digital potential.
The bank highlighted the need for coherent policies to stimulate digital transformation, improve connectivity, and enhance economic integration.
According to the WATRA president, telecommunications regulators worldwide have a very complex mandate and one of the key strategies for making their work easier and delivering more economic and welfare benefits to citizens is to collaborate at regional and global levels.
Brewah disclosed that on the platform WATRA, telecommunications regulators in West Africa worked together to bridge the digital divide, manage the rapid pace of technological advancement, ensure fair competition, and protect consumers.
He noted that through WATRA, telecommunications regulators in West Africa strive to create frameworks that are adaptable to the unique circumstances of each country while promoting regional consistency.
