Sierra Leone will play host to the West Africa Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly (WATRA) conference from March 19th to 22nd, 2024.

Established in 2004, WATRA brings together telecommunications regulators from all 16 member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Assembly plays a vital role in promoting policies that stimulate economic growth through telecommunications, advocating for more accessible and affordable telecom services for West Africans, facilitating the use of telecoms for faster and wider financial transactions and improving access to public services through telecommunication infrastructure.

Salima Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, is expected to deliver the opening remarks, highlighting the nation’s significant advancements in the telecom sector under President Bio’s leadership.

Mr. Amara Brewah, Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, will assume the chairmanship of WATRA. This leadership role positions Sierra Leone to advocate for crucial reforms within the sector and drive improvements in domestic and regional telecommunication services.

The conference aims to achieve digital collaboration among West African countries, leveraging the potential of the digital economy and establishing themselves as key players on the global digital stage.

The aim is to promote cooperation and teamwork among the countries in West Africa to achieve greater results across Africa and the world as a whole. At the conference, WATRA will advocate for increased broadband access and facilitate digital education as well.

It is important for the West African subregion to take advantage of its large population in order to enhance and develop the West African digital economy. There is a need for countries in West Africa to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and work together efficiently and productively to create a sustainable digital economy. This topic will be discussed further.