Building Africa’s Digital Future: Telecoms Experts Chart Course for Sustainable Infrastructure

Bukola Olanrewaju May 6, 2024 TECHNOLOGY Leave a comment

Telecom experts from West Africa gathered recently to discuss how emerging technologies will impact the deployment of telecom infrastructure across the region.

The West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE) focused on strategies to ensure a sustainable telecoms infrastructure that can accelerate the growth of the digital economy.

A key theme of the summit was the crucial role of robust telecom infrastructure in supporting a thriving digital economy. Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), highlighted the need for “scalable, and secure telecommunications infrastructure” to facilitate everything from basic voice calls to advanced applications like smart cities and autonomous vehicles.

Emerging trends like the rollout of 5G networks were identified as game-changers for the future of telecom infrastructure. 5G promises significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity, paving the way for advancements in areas like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).

Also Read:

The summit also addressed challenges faced by the telecoms industry in Africa. Experts pointed out the need for collaboration between governments, industry players, and academia to drive innovation and development. Additionally, innovative financing models and investment in human capital were identified as crucial factors for success.

Challenges related to rural connectivity were also discussed. The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has identified significant gaps in basic telephony and ICT access in rural areas. Closing these gaps through new connectivity infrastructure is essential to ensure everyone benefits from the digital economy.

The summit concluded with a call for increased focus on sustainability and data security. Experts emphasized the need for “smart infrastructure” solutions that are energy-efficient and prioritize data protection.

The WATISE summit served as a valuable platform for stakeholders in the telecoms industry to discuss strategies for building a robust and sustainable telecoms infrastructure that can fuel Africa’s digital transformation.