By: Kebba AF Touray
The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), hosted by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), concluded its Working Group Meeting on Thursday, 13 June 2024 in the Gambia, Banjul.
Held under the theme “Enhancing Digital Transformation in West Africa, Strengthening Connectivity Security and Access,” the Gambia is hosting the crucial meeting, which embodies the collective commitment to advancing the digital transformation agenda in West Africa.
The theme of the meeting which was held from 10th-13th June, 2024, according to the stakeholders perfectly aligns with the vision of our national broadband policy and strategy, which aimed at transforming.
The theme also aligned with the Gambia’s national broadband policy and strategy, which aimed at transforming the country into a knowledge-based economy that thrives on an accessible, secure, and high-speed broadband ecosystem within an open access regime.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Executive Secretary of WATRA, AliyuYusfAboki, reported that during the meeting, the participants shared invaluable ideas, and experiences, deliberated extensively, and brainstormed on critical issues and challenges.
“They have proffered tailored solutions and recommendations that will undoubtedly drive our agenda forward. The presentations from the ITU among others have added tremendous value touching on areas of great interest from members and the sub-region,” he said
He hailed PURA and the Government of the Gambia for the successful hosting of the meeting and assured that the inputs of their discussion will be beneficial to their members and stakeholders.
Declaring the WATRTA Group Meeting close, the Director General of PURA, Dr. Njogou L. Bah, expressed that the meeting had witnessed the sharing of insightful ideas and expertise, which correspond to the theme of the meeting.
He also urged the participants to build on the momentum generated from the meeting and strive to make a tangible impact in their respective countries and across the region.
He said, “Together, we can shape a brighter future for West Africa, where connectivity, security, and access are not just goals to aspire to, but realities that empower our communities and drive sustainable development.”
“Let us remember that our commitment to these initiatives does not end here. Our collective responsibility is now to implement these strategies and transform our discussions into substantial outcomes,” Dr. Bah tasked WATRA Working Group Members.
The vote of thanks remark was delivered by Mr. Bafour Kwame, the Rapporteur and delegation member from Ghana.
