By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority (NatCA) and Chairman of the West African Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), Amara Brewah, has called on regional policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to prioritize green telecommunications and affordable spectrum pricing to drive sustainable digital growth across West Africa. Speaking at the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Barcelona Spain, Amara Brewah emphasized the need for telecom practices that align with climate objectives while fostering economic and social transformation in the region.
Delivering a compelling address titled: “Green Telecommunications – Policies and Practices for More Sustainability,” Amara Brewah highlighted the rapid expansion of the telecommunications sector in West Africa and the opportunities it presents in areas such as commerce, education, healthcare and governance. However, he also warned that this growth comes with significant environmental consequences, including increasing energy consumption and electronic waste. To address these challenges, the Director General urged policymakers to adopt innovative reforms and technological advancements to ensure that telecommunications contribute to a more sustainable future.
“It is a great privilege to address you today on a topic that sits at the heart of our collective responsibility as regulators: building telecommunications networks that not only connect our people but also protect our environment,” Amara Brewah stated. “As Chairman of WATRA, I have seen firsthand how rapidly the telecom sector is expanding across West Africa, creating massive potential for advancements in commerce, education, health and governance. However, with this growth come clear environmental costs and opportunities.”
Amara Brewah underscored the role of efficient telecom networks in building sustainable economies. He noted that a well-developed telecom infrastructure supports digital transformation in key sectors such as agriculture, transportation and energy, enabling smarter systems that reduce waste, lower emissions and improve resource management.
“For instance, digital platforms that connect farmers directly to buyers reduce the need for physical travel, while smart logistics systems powered by telecom networks help optimize delivery routes and cut fuel consumption,” he explained. “At the same time, robust telecom networks facilitate the adoption of green technologies, such as remote monitoring of solar farms and smart grids that balance electricity supply and demand in real time.”
He called for greater energy efficiency across network infrastructure, advocating for the deployment of low-power base stations, intelligent cooling systems in data centers and the use of next-generation equipment designed to reduce energy consumption.
“As WATRA, we can lead by embedding energy efficiency requirements into licensing conditions, offering regulatory incentives for green upgrades and developing regional guidelines that promote efficient design across borders,” he stated.
The NatCA Director General stressed the urgent need to move away from diesel-powered telecom sites, particularly in off-grid and rural areas. He recommended promoting solar-powered and hybrid base stations as a standard industry practice rather than an afterthought.
“Through public-private partnerships (PPPs), we can unlock financing for clean energy solutions,” he noted. “Governments should also support operators by offering green financing, customs waivers on renewable energy equipment and preferential spectrum or infrastructure licensing for operators investing in low-carbon technologies.”
As telecom networks expand, the accumulation of outdated equipment and electronic waste (e-waste) poses serious environmental risks. Amara Brewah urged regional regulators to establish comprehensive e-waste management policies, including collection schemes, eco-friendly product designs and responsible recycling initiatives.
“WATRA can work with national regulators to develop a regional e-waste policy that mandates proper disposal and recycling of telecom equipment,” he suggested. “Creating regional e-waste recycling hubs will allow smaller nations to pool resources and establish efficient, sustainable recycling systems.”
The Director General emphasized the importance of harmonized policies across West Africa to facilitate sustainable telecom practices. He proposed regional standards for licensing, environmental reporting and carbon reduction targets, ensuring consistency across borders and reducing compliance costs for operators.
“No single country can transform this landscape alone,” he stressed. “A shared regional vision will give investors and operators the confidence to invest in green innovation at scale.”
To ensure accountability and progress in green telecommunications, Amara Brewah advocated for data-driven policies. He suggested making environmental impact assessments (EIAs) a requirement for major telecom projects and called on operators to publish annual sustainability reports disclosing energy consumption, renewable energy usage and emissions data.
“WATRA could develop a standardized reporting template to track progress at both national and regional levels,” he proposed. “This transparency will attract more green investments, strengthen public trust and hold stakeholders accountable for delivering on climate commitments.”
Concluding his address, Amara Brewah reiterated the need for environmental responsibility to be embedded in every aspect of telecom development. He expressed confidence that West Africa could emerge as a leader in green telecommunications through bold regulation, regional cooperation and private sector innovation.
“West Africa’s telecommunications future must be connected, innovative and sustainable,” he said. “By prioritizing green growth, we can create a resilient digital economy that not only fosters economic development but also protects our planet for future generations.”
As policymakers, regulators and industry leaders across West Africa deliberate on the next steps, Amara Brewah’s call to action underscores the urgent need to integrate sustainability into the region’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
