West African telecom regulators push stronger cooperation at Lomé Assembly

Public Management

Thursday, 23 April 2026 05:22

West African telecom regulators push stronger cooperation at Lomé Assembly

(Togo First) - Telecommunications regulators from across West Africa reaffirmed their commitment to deeper regional cooperation as they opened their 23rd annual general assembly in Lomé on Wednesday.

Michel Galley, director general of ARCEP Togo and first vice-president of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), said the rapid digital transformation of economies is placing telecommunications at the center of public service delivery and economic growth.

He warned that the growing complexity of the sector requires regulators to ensure a competitive and well-regulated market while maintaining service quality and access for consumers.

“These challenges are becoming more complex, and isolated approaches are no longer effective,” Galley said, calling for stronger regional coordination.

Existing initiatives, such as free roaming agreements between some West African countries, demonstrate the benefits of coordinated action, he added. However, these efforts need to be expanded across the region through greater sharing of expertise and regulatory tools.

The goal is to build a more harmonized regulatory framework capable of addressing common challenges, particularly in service quality, fair competition and regional roaming.

Galley said ARCEP Togo would share its experience in data-driven regulation and learn from other regulators to improve sector performance.

Beyond policy discussions, the assembly will also address key institutional matters.

“It will review the organization’s accounts, approve financial statements and the budget, and adopt WATRA’s 2026–2030 strategic plan,” said Kader Ouro-Agoro, director of legal affairs at ARCEP Togo.

The plan focuses on improving service quality across member states, where regulatory standards and performance indicators still vary widely. The aim is to move towards common benchmarks aligned with best international practices.

Expanding access to telecommunications services is another priority.

“Coverage is the foundation of any digital transformation effort. It is essential to ensure not only availability, but also affordability,” Ouro-Agoro said.

At the national level, Togo has recorded improving performance. According to nPerf, an independent platform measuring internet user experience, operators Yas Togo and Moov Africa Togo ranked first and second respectively in the UEMOA zone in 2025, reflecting progress in sector regulation.

The assembly, which runs until April 24, is expected to reinforce commitments to more integrated and effective regulation.

“Alone, we go fast. Together, we go further,” Galley said, urging stronger cooperation in line with WATRA President Herry Mane’s vision.

WATRA brings together 16 members from ECOWAS, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and Mauritania. Its mandate includes strengthening regulatory cooperation, harmonizing frameworks, improving service quality, promoting regional roaming and supporting digital development across West Africa.

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