Telecommunications regulators from across West Africa have called for stronger regional cooperation to address growing challenges in the sector, as they convened for their 23rd annual general assembly in Lomé.
Officials said the rapid pace of digital transformation across the region is placing increasing pressure on regulators to ensure competitive markets, improve service quality and expand access, while adapting to evolving technologies and business models.
Michel Galley, director general of ARCEP Togo and first vice-president of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly, said the sector’s complexity now requires coordinated regional responses rather than isolated national approaches.
“These challenges are becoming more complex, and isolated approaches are no longer effective,” he said, urging regulators to deepen collaboration and share expertise.
Participants highlighted existing initiatives such as cross-border free roaming agreements, which have helped reduce costs for consumers and improve connectivity. However, officials said such measures remain unevenly implemented and should be expanded across member states.
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The assembly is focusing on building a more harmonised regulatory framework capable of addressing common issues, including service quality standards, fair competition and regional roaming policies.
Galley said ARCEP Togo would share its experience in data-driven regulation while learning from peers to strengthen oversight and sector performance.
Beyond policy discussions, delegates are also reviewing institutional matters, including financial statements and the organisation’s strategic direction.
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Kader Ouro-Agoro, legal affairs director at ARCEP Togo, said members would consider and adopt West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly’s 2026–2030 strategic plan, which aims to standardise regulatory benchmarks across the region.
“The objective is to move towards common performance indicators aligned with international best practices,” he said.
Improving access to telecommunications services remains a central priority, particularly in underserved and rural areas where connectivity gaps persist.
“Coverage is the foundation of any digital transformation effort. It is essential to ensure not only availability, but also affordability,” Ouro-Agoro added.
The discussions come as West African governments increasingly rely on digital infrastructure to support public services, financial inclusion and economic growth, making reliable and affordable connectivity a key development objective.
At the national level, Togo has recorded progress in telecom performance. According to nPerf, operators Yas Togo and Moov Africa Togo ranked first and second respectively in the West African Economic and Monetary Union zone in 2025, reflecting improvements in regulation and service delivery.
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The assembly, which runs until April 24, is expected to reinforce commitments to more integrated and effective regulation across the region.
West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly brings together 16 members from Economic Community of West African States, the Alliance of Sahel States and Mauritania, with a mandate to harmonise regulatory frameworks, promote regional roaming and support digital development.
“Alone, we go fast. Together, we go further,” Galley said, echoing calls for closer cooperation to unlock the full potential of West Africa’s digital economy.
