WATRA Advocates Green Telecommunications, Affordable Spectrum Pricing for Digital Growth in W’Africa

Emma Okonji

Chairman of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) and Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority (NatCA), Amara Brewah, has called on policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders across the region to prioritise green telecommunications and affordable spectrum pricing to drive sustainable digital growth in West Africa. Speaking at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Barcelona, Spain, he emphasised the need for sustainable telecoms practices that align with climate commitments while fostering economic and social transformation.

In his speech titled ‘Green Telecommunications – Policies and Practices for More Sustainability’, Brewah highlighted the rapid growth of the telecoms sector in West Africa and the opportunities it presents for progress in commerce, education, healthcare, and governance. He however cautioned that the expansion would come with environmental consequences, including rising energy consumption and increased electronic waste.

Addressing the challenges through policy reforms and technological innovations, he argued that such move was crucial for ensuring that telecommunications contribute to a more sustainable future.

He called on regulators and industry leaders to adopt energy-efficient infrastructure, integrate renewable energy into network operations, and develop comprehensive policies for managing electronic waste.

“The future of telecommunications must be both inclusive and sustainable. West Africa has the opportunity to lead in green telecommunications by promoting energy efficiency, supporting solar-powered infrastructure, and implementing robust e-waste management policies,” Brewah noted.

He proposed harmonised environmental standards across the region to create an investment-friendly regulatory environment, including carbon reduction targets, sustainability incentives, and transparency in measuring telecom operations’ environmental impact. He also encouraged public-private partnerships to drive innovation in clean energy solutions for the sector.

At the ministerial programme of MWC25, Brewah participated in two roundtables and delivered a country presentation on spectrum challenges, emphasising direct-to-device connectivity and affordable spectrum pricing as a key driver of digital equality. Representing Sierra Leone alongside regulators from 11 other countries, he highlighted the pressing issue of high spectrum costs as a major barrier to digital inclusion in developing regions.

During the session on spectrum pricing, Brewah explained that high spectrum costs remained a major barrier to digital inclusion in developing regions. He called on governments to adopt policies that lower barriers to entry, promote investment, and facilitate the widespread adoption of emerging technologies such as 4G, 5G, and the future rollout of 6G. He highlighted key spectrum bands identified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that could significantly expand broadband connectivity and drive economic growth.

“Affordable spectrum pricing is essential to ensuring universal mobile access. By making spectrum more accessible, we empower communities, expand connectivity, and enable digital solutions that transform lives,” Brewah said.

He also underscored the transformative potential of Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity, particularly in bridging the digital divide in underserved and remote areas. He described D2D as a game changer that aligns with Sierra Leone’s broader vision for inclusive digital transformation and economic empowerment.
Brewah’s advocacy at MWC25 reinforced WATRA’s commitment to shaping policies that expand connectivity while ensuring sustainable digital growth. His participation positioned West Africa as a proactive player in the global telecommunications landscape, while insisting that expanding access must not come at the expense of affordability or environmental responsibility.