WATRA’s Roadmap for the Implementation of 5G in West Africa

The West Africa Telecommunications Regulations Assembly (WATRA) revealed plans to develop a fifth-generation (5G) Implementation Roadmap for all countries in the West Africa region.^[1] Established in 2002, WATRA is a platform for West African telecommunications and ICT regulators to exchange information, share best practices, and coordinate their actions. The organization plays an important role in harmonizing regulatory frameworks and policies in the region as regards Telecommunications and ICT. WATRA also works to align national policies and regulations of member states to ensure consistency and compatibility across the region.^[2] To develop the Roadmap, The Working Group on Infrastructure Development of WATRA, at its first physical meeting in Banjul, The Gambia highlighted a key initiative to advance digital transformation in West Africa.

Under the theme, “Enhancing Digital Transformation in West Africa: Strengthening Connectivity, Security, and Access”, the group emphasized the importance of this step in improving regional connectivity, security, and access. WATRA mentioned its collection of case studies from various countries which were shared at the meeting to get valuable insights into licensing, quality of service, and overcoming challenges.

WATRA stated that the Roadmap will serve as a comprehensive guide to assist member states in dealing with the complexities of deploying 5G. This The roadmap is set to boost digital connectivity which is currently very low in the region.^[1] For instance, while 4G had become the dominant technology in most other regions before the introduction of 5G, Africa remains reliant on legacy networks like 2G and 3G. Even 4G networks make up less than 25% of total connections in 2022.^[2] Nigeria introduced its first 5G network in 2022 through MTN, followed by Airtel in 2023. MTN subsequently introduced the 5G network in South Africa in November 2024 through its MTN Icon 5G, an affordable 5G-enabled smartphone.

However, adoption remains limited, with penetration of the 5G network in Nigeria at just 2.19% as of September 2024, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). ^[3] Ghana launched its first 5G network in late 2024, while several other West African nations are still in the early stages of preparing to deploy the technology.

^[1] Adeyemi Adepetun, “WATRA plans infrastructure for 5G in West Africa”  The guardian Newspaper  <https://guardian.ng/business-services/watra-plans-infrastructure-for-5g-in-west-africa/#google_vignette

^[2] Kenechi Okeleke & James Joinder “The road to 5G in Africa: navigating investment and value creation”  (GMSA intelligence) <https://data.gsmaintelligence.com/api-web/v2/research-file-download?id=74384102&file=170323-5G-Africa.pdf>

^[3] Ibid.

^[1]  Tech Digest, “WATRA Plans 5G Roadmap to Propel Digital Transformation Across West Africa”  <https://techdigest.ng/watra-plans-roadmap-propel/>

^[2] Samson Akintaro, “WATRA to develop roadmap for 5G and digital connectivity in West Africa “(Nairametrics)<https://nairametrics.com/2024/11/07/watra-to-develop-roadmap-for-5g-and-digital-connectivity-in-west-africa/?amp=1>