West Africa Urged to Embrace Green Telecoms and Affordable Spectrum for Sustainable Digital Growth

Amara Brewah, chairman of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) and director general of Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority (NatCA), has issued a clarion call to policymakers, industry regulators, and telecom operators across West Africa to prioritize environmentally responsible telecommunications infrastructure and implement affordable spectrum pricing policies. Brewah’s remarks were delivered during a high-level speech at the 2025 edition of the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Spain, where he emphasized the need to balance digital transformation with environmental stewardship.

Addressing an audience of global telecom leaders, Brewah highlighted the region’s dynamic growth in telecommunications and the significant role the sector plays in accelerating commerce, education, healthcare, and governance. However, he also cautioned that the sector’s rapid expansion—if left unchecked—could lead to severe environmental consequences, including increased carbon emissions, excessive energy consumption, and mounting electronic waste.

Sustainability: A Non-Negotiable for Digital Development

“The telecom industry must lead by example in sustainability efforts,” Brewah stated during his keynote. He underscored the opportunity for West Africa to become a global leader in green telecommunications, advocating for the widespread adoption of energy-efficient network technologies, the integration of solar and other renewable energy sources, and the strict enforcement of electronic waste (e-waste) management protocols.

“The future of telecommunications must be both inclusive and sustainable,” he said. “We cannot achieve true digital progress if it comes at the cost of environmental degradation.”

Citing alarming projections from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Brewah noted that information and communication technology (ICT) emissions could account for as much as 14% of global carbon emissions by 2040 if sustainable practices are not adopted. These warnings underscore the urgent need for a strategic shift toward eco-friendly operations within the telecom sector.

The Case for Energy-Efficient Networks

Brewah’s call to action includes implementing energy-saving network infrastructure and transitioning from traditional power sources to clean alternatives. Solar-powered cell towers and data centers powered by renewable energy, he explained, could dramatically reduce the sector’s carbon footprint, especially in remote and off-grid areas.

He further stressed the importance of governments and regulators establishing environmental guidelines for telecom operators to follow, including carbon reduction targets and incentives for sustainability. “Regulatory alignment across West Africa will create a level playing field and encourage investment in greener telecom infrastructure,” Brewah noted.

He also pointed out that robust e-waste policies are critical, especially as mobile penetration rises and older devices are phased out. Without proper disposal and recycling systems, the region could face a mounting crisis of toxic waste and pollution.

Making Connectivity Affordable Through Fair Spectrum Pricing

Alongside environmental issues, Brewah also tackled the pressing challenge of high spectrum costs, which he argued pose a major barrier to achieving digital equality in West Africa. “The cost of spectrum should not be a bottleneck to digital inclusion,” he asserted. “Lowering these costs will not only encourage investment but will also accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies such as 4G, 5G, and eventually 6G.”

Affordable access to spectrum—the radio frequencies required for wireless communication—is critical to expanding mobile network coverage, particularly in underserved rural and remote regions. High spectrum fees can discourage telecom operators from entering or expanding in less profitable markets, thus exacerbating the digital divide.

Brewah pointed to recent research by the GSMA, which found that African nations often face significantly higher spectrum costs relative to their GDP per capita compared to Europe and North America. This disparity, he warned, hinders operators’ ability to deploy advanced mobile services and restricts consumers’ access to high-speed internet.

He urged governments across the region to rethink their spectrum pricing strategies, prioritizing digital access over short-term revenue. “Sensible, equitable pricing mechanisms must be implemented to enable broader connectivity,” Brewah emphasized.

Harmonized Standards for a Green Digital Future

To support these goals, Brewah proposed the creation of harmonized regional environmental standards for the telecom industry. This framework, he said, should include carbon emissions targets, transparent reporting mechanisms, and incentives for telecom firms that invest in green technologies and sustainable infrastructure.

According to Brewah, this type of regulatory clarity and consistency would foster a more attractive investment climate, ensuring that global telecom players are more willing to commit long-term resources to West African markets. He also advocated for regional collaboration through WATRA to establish a unified vision for sustainability in telecom operations.

Role of Public-Private Partnerships

Central to Brewah’s vision is the strengthening of public-private partnerships aimed at promoting innovation in renewable energy applications within telecommunications. He highlighted the need for government and industry stakeholders to co-invest in developing clean energy solutions for powering rural telecom sites, such as solar mini-grids and hybrid energy systems.

These collaborative efforts, he said, would not only help reduce emissions but also ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the digital revolution. “If we want to build a truly inclusive digital economy, we must ensure that connectivity reaches every corner of our nations—and that it does so sustainably,” Brewah remarked.

Unlocking the Potential of Spectrum for Broadband Expansion

Highlighting the findings of the ITU, Brewah pointed to specific spectrum bands identified as critical for expanding broadband access. Efficient allocation and pricing of these bands, he explained, could unlock tremendous potential for mobile broadband growth across the continent.

With mobile data traffic projected to continue rising exponentially in the coming years, Brewah warned that failure to reform spectrum policy would result in missed economic opportunities and continued marginalization of rural populations.

He urged governments and regulatory agencies to see spectrum as a tool for socioeconomic empowerment rather than a source of quick fiscal revenue. “Access to affordable spectrum can be the difference between progress and stagnation for millions of people,” he concluded.

Looking Ahead: Building a Greener, More Connected West Africa

Brewah’s remarks at MWC25 come at a time when global conversations around climate change, sustainability, and digital equity are intensifying. His speech reflected a growing consensus that future-ready telecommunications must be environmentally responsible, economically inclusive, and accessible to all.

By championing green infrastructure and advocating for affordable spectrum policies, Brewah has positioned WATRA as a leading voice in reshaping the telecommunications landscape of West Africa. His vision not only aligns with global climate goals but also paves the way for sustainable economic development and technological innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

As the telecom sector continues to expand its influence across every facet of modern life, the decisions made today will shape the region’s digital and environmental future for decades to come. With bold leadership and strategic collaboration, West Africa has the opportunity to set a global example—proving that digital progress and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.