By Susan Olalere The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has launched a significant initiative aimed at fast-tracking the deployment of 5G networks across the region. This step, which was the focal point of the inaugural meeting of WATRA’s Working Group on Infrastructure Development, aims to establish a 5G Implementation Roadmap designed to streamline the rollout of this next-generation technology throughout West Africa.
The meeting, held under the theme “Enhancing Digital Transformation in West Africa: Strengthening Connectivity, Security, and Access,” was hosted by The Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). According to WATRA, the 5G Roadmap will serve as a comprehensive guide for member states, navigating the complexities of the 5G rollout and setting West Africa on a course towards widespread digital transformation.
Low 5G Penetration and Regional Readiness
While countries like Nigeria and Ghana have already taken steps toward 5G adoption—with Nigeria launching its network in 2022 through MTN and Airtel in 2023, and Ghana following suit this month—the overall penetration in the region remains limited. For instance, 5G adoption in Nigeria stands at just 2.19% as of September 2024, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Countries still in early stages of 5G deployment can benefit from the insights provided by WATRA’s case studies, which cover critical aspects such as licensing, spectrum costs, quality of service, and the various challenges encountered during rollout. Additionally, the meeting’s delegates emphasized the importance of strengthening 4G adoption as a crucial step towards smoother, widespread 5G deployment.
One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the adoption of a work plan for WATRA’s flagship project on 5G infrastructure development. This initiative aims to harmonize the 5G rollout across West Africa, ensuring consistent regulatory practices, addressing challenges around spectrum allocation, and setting standards for quality of service.
Reflecting on the outcomes, WATRA’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Aliyu Aboki, highlighted the critical role of collaboration among member states. “This meeting underscores our shared commitment to advancing telecommunications and achieving the strategic pillars of our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan,” Aboki noted.
Since its establishment in 2002, WATRA has played a pivotal role in creating a unified regulatory environment for telecommunications and ICT in West Africa. The Assembly has focused on developing frameworks like the West African Common Regulatory Framework, which fosters consistency and compatibility across member states. This collaborative approach has paved the way for WATRA’s latest endeavor to streamline 5G implementation.
OpeOluwa Okudero
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