The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) convened its 21st General Assembly in Freetown, marking a significant step towards advancing digital transformation across the region.

In her keynote address, the Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, urged all to collective action towards innovation and connectivity.

“As regulators, we must prioritize consumer rights, promote fairness and equity, as well as enhance transparency and accountability in our regulatory frameworks. Let us create accessible complaint resolution mechanisms for redress. Empowered consumers drive demand, fuel innovation, and contribute to sustainable growth. Let us listen to their voices and prioritize their well-being” – Madam Salima Bah.

Madam Bah congratulated the Director-General of National Communications Authority (NaTCA) Mr. Amara Brewah, who will be assuming the role as the chairman of WATRA.

WATRA is an organization through which Telecommunications Regulators work together to broaden access to information and Communication Technology (ICT) services in the sub-region. Sierra Leone is a proud member of the 32-member state organization.

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.

WATRA operates under the legal framework of the ECOWAS Treaty, the Supplementary Act on Telecommunications and ICT, the Protocol on the Establishment of WATRA, and the Constitution and Rules of Procedure of WATRA.

WATRA works with national telecommunication regulatory authorities in  member states in West Africa to promote the adoption of regulations that stimulate investment in telecommunication infrastructure, deliver more affordable communication services to more citizens, enable faster and more secure economic transactions, and facilitate wider and easier access to public services. Together, we work to improve telecommunication sector regulation for economic transformation and social development of all communities in West Africa.