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At the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown, the 21st annual general meeting of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) witnessed a significant call to action from the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Mornorna Bah. Emphasizing consumer rights, Bah urged the assembly to enhance transparency, fairness, and accountability in their regulatory frameworks.

During the event, Bah highlighted the urgent need for regulators to adapt to the rapid pace of technological advancements, including 5G, AI, and the Internet, to ensure the region isn't left behind in the global digital revolution. With a focus on fostering innovation and connectivity, the meeting aimed to shape a dynamic and inclusive digital future for West Africa.

Sierra Leone, like its regional counterparts, is actively pursuing digital transformation programs to drive national development. The importance of mobile technologies in improving education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and democratic participation was underscored, with a notable contribution of $144 billion to Africa's economy.

The National Telecommunication Authority (NaTCA) Director General, Amara Brewah, highlighted the collaborative efforts of ICT regulators in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging telecommunications technologies. Brewah pointed to significant achievements in connectivity and digital inclusion, with a remarkable increase in mobile data penetration in Sierra Leone.

WATRA's transformative journey was also a key topic, with Executive Secretary Aliyu Yusuf Aboki outlining the progress made towards the goals set in their 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. The establishment of working groups on Consumer Access and Experience, Infrastructure Development, and Cyber Security has been pivotal in driving the assembly's agenda forward.

The assembly's commitment to financial sustainability and operational efficiency, through the adoption of digital capabilities, marks a new era of transparency and member engagement. As West Africa's telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, WATRA's collaborative approach and strategic initiatives promise to pave the way for a more connected and digitally empowered region.