ECOWAS STRENGTHENS REGIONAL COORDINATION AHEAD OF THE WORLD  RADIOCOMMUNICATION CONFERENCE 2027 (WRC-27)

The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Digital Economy and Post, has convened the Third ECOWAS Preparatory Meeting for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27) from 16 to 18 June 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The meeting brings together experts from ECOWAS Member States to develop regional consensus and formulate preliminary ECOWAS Common Positions (ECOCOP) ahead of their submission to the African Telecommunications Union (ATU).

These positions will contribute to the development of African Common Proposals to be presented at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027, reinforcing West Africa’s commitment to a coordinated and influential African voice in global spectrum and satellite governance.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders and other spectrum users to discuss emerging technologies and future developments requiring spectrum allocations.

The ECOWAS Commission has reaffirmed the need for stronger regional coordination and harmonised spectrum policies as West Africa prepares for the WRC-27. Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, Mr. Mawuli Amoa, Principal Programme Officer for Telecoms and Post Policy and Regulation, noted that the revised ECOWAS Treaty, particularly Article 33, provides the legal basis for cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and mandates Member States to coordinate and standardise their telecommunications sectors.

Mr. Amoa highlighted ongoing reforms of the regional legal and regulatory framework for electronic communications, including a new Directive on Electronic Communications expected to be adopted by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers at their next meeting. The proposed directive promotes establishing a unified regional spectrum roadmap, harmonising high-demand frequency bands, strengthening cross-border frequency coordination, and creating an enabling environment for investments that will expand broadband access, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The Commission also stressed that the meeting would examine emerging global spectrum issues with major implications for the region, including satellite broadband, Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity, spectrum sovereignty, and the management of non-geostationary satellite operations. Describing radio frequency spectrum as a finite and strategic resource that underpins the digital economy, the Commission urged experts and delegates to collaborate in shaping a resilient and inclusive digital future for West Africa, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting Member States throughout the WRC-27 preparatory process.

The Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), Mr. John Omo, emphasized the need for regional solidarity and coordinated action as Africa prepares for the WRC-27. Highlighting the importance of WRC processes in determining global use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbital resources, which are critical to digital transformation and modern economies, he also reflected on WRC-23 achievements, noting that Africa secured key spectrum gains for mobile broadband and satellite services, including broader harmonisation of the 3.6–3.8 GHz band and acceptance of all six ATU proposals as agenda items for WRC-27.

He reaffirmed ATU’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS and all African countries throughout the WRC-27 preparatory process, urging delegates to develop positions that are distinctly African and focused on ensuring inclusive digital benefits across the continent. The outcomes of the Abuja meeting will feed into Africa’s broader WRC-27 preparations and help shape discussions at the upcoming Third Annual Preparatory Meeting of the ATU (APM27-3) scheduled for later this year in Tunisia.

The Chairman of the meeting and Head of Studies and Frequency Planning at Telecommunications and Posts Regulatory Authority of Sénégal, Mr. Mandialy Bodian, highlighted the critical role of radio frequency spectrum as the foundation of West Africa’s digital economy. He called for a unified regional approach to spectrum management, stressing priorities such as harmonising regional positions, fostering innovation through technologies like 5G, 6G, and satellite broadband, promoting digital inclusion, and protecting spectrum resources essential for security and emergency services.

He urged delegates to strengthen Africa’s common position on WRC-27 agenda items by leveraging ITU technical studies, negotiating practical compromises, and working under the coordination of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU). He concluded by commending participants for their expertise and commitment, noting that their efforts will significantly influence the region’s connectivity and digital transformation agenda