Post a comment
At the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) held in Barcelona, Spain, Amara Brewah, the Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority (NatCA) and Chairman of the West African Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), emphasized the need for green telecommunications to support sustainable development in West Africa.
Brewah addressed regional policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders, urging them to prioritize eco-friendly practices and affordable spectrum pricing to enhance digital growth across the region. His speech, titled “Green Telecommunications – Policies and Practices for More Sustainability,” highlighted the telecommunications sector’s rapid expansion in West Africa and its potential to positively impact areas such as commerce, education, healthcare, and governance.
However, Brewah cautioned that the rapid growth is accompanied by significant environmental challenges, including rising energy consumption and increasing electronic waste. He called on policymakers to implement innovative reforms and leverage technology to ensure that telecom services contribute to a more sustainable future.
“It is essential to build telecommunications networks that connect people while protecting the environment,” Brewah stated. He highlighted how efficient telecom networks can support key sectors like agriculture and transportation by enabling smarter systems that reduce waste and emissions.
One suggestion from Brewah was the promotion of energy-efficient infrastructure, including the use of low-power base stations and intelligent cooling systems in data centers. He advocated for moving away from diesel-powered telecom sites, especially in remote areas, and encouraged the adoption of solar-powered and hybrid base stations as a standard practice.
Brewah also emphasized the need for comprehensive e-waste management policies to address the growing problem of obsolete telecom equipment. He proposed that regional regulators collaborate to establish recycling initiatives that would facilitate responsible disposal of electronic waste.
To achieve those goals, Brewah stressed the importance of harmonized policies across West Africa to encourage sustainable telecom practices. He suggested creating regional standards for licensing and environmental impact assessments, which he said would help reduce compliance costs for operators.
As he concluded his address, he urged all stakeholders to work together towards a greener digital economy that serves both development needs and environmental protection.
