By Alpha Abu
Sierra Leone’s Mobile Data penetration in 2023 reached 24.82 percent, from 15.05 percent in 2018, according to Amara Brewah- Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NatCA).
He was addressing the 21st Annual General Meeting of the West African Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly (WATRA) held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown this week.
Brewah said the mobile data penetration in those 5 years representing a percentage increase of 64.92 percent ‘’underscores the provisions in the National Broadband Strategy for digital penetration for effective and efficient service delivery’’.
He told representatives of the 16 regional member states about the Government’s key objectives in the sector- increasing broadband access to 50 percent in urban areas by 2027 and 95 percent by 2030, and improving rural connectivity to 80 percent by 2027. Digital Literacy in schools is earmarked at 85 percent and improved digital literacy is to reach 50 percent amongst the workforce by 2027.
He said: “WATRA’s journey is a testament to its dedication to establishing a sustainable, unified telecommunications framework in West Africa”, a commitment that he said is “geared towards creating an environment conducive to innovation, growth, and inclusivity is one all of us should continue to embrace.’’
In her statement, Communications, Technology, and Innovation Minister Salima Bah acknowledged the 1.7 million people in Africa that she said are gainfully employed in the mobile telecommunications industry, generating a GDP of 8.5 percent or 144 Billion US Dollars for the continent.
She said it is their collective responsibility to bridge the digital divide and also mentioned how inconsistencies in policies in the region could contribute to dissatisfaction.
‘’Let us ensure no community is left behind in the digital age. To deliver on this regional collaboration is our strength’’, Minister Bah stated.
She stressed the importance of telecom consumers who she said are central to the ‘’heart of our work… who rely on our services. Let us commit to working hand in hand, transcending borders for the collective prosperity of our people.”
She hoped that the deliberations would lead to impactful outcomes for the benefit of all WATRA members.
A key highlight of the meeting was NatCA Director-General taking up the position of Chairman of WATRA. Reacting, Brewah said: ‘’Let me assure you that I will do all I can to work collectively and harmoniously with everyone to ensure that the objective of WATRA is achieved –ie faster, effective connectivity for service delivery for our people’’.
Also appointed were Cheikh Amadu Bamba of Guinea Bissau and Ouro-Agoro Kader of Togo as First Vice Chairman and Second Vice Chairman, respectively.
WATRA’s Executive Secretary, Aliyu Yusif Aboki of Nigeria retained his position as Executive Secretary for another term. And he said: ’’Together we will advance WATRA’s mission, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of regional integration and socio-economic development.’’
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