TechPression

Tag: ECOWAS

  • Ghana, Gambia partners to implement ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, to reduce cross-border communication costs

    Ghana, Gambia partners to implement ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, to reduce cross-border communication costs

    Ghana has entered an agreement with the Gambia through the collaboration of Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and the National Communications Authority (NCA) to implement the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative.

    This program seeks to lower the cost of telecommunications services for persons travelling between Ghana and The Gambia thereby enhancing seamless communication and the development of stronger social and economic linkages.

    A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on November 21, 2024, marking the end of the meeting, which began on November 19, 2024.

    Read also: Hackathon: NITDA, ECOWAS empower West African youths to protect continent’s cyberspace

    This will allow MNOs to begin technical and regulatory discussions that will ultimately result in the implementation and launch of the ECOWAS Roaming Regulations later in the first half of 2025.

    Ghana’s commitment to implement ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative 

    This agreement demonstrates the NCA’s continued dedication to regional integration and consumer protection in the telecom industry.

    The Significant Market Power (SMP) Regulations, SIM Registration, Mobile Number Portability (MNP), and Billing Feedback Messages are just a few of the consumer protection measures that the NCA has led throughout the years.

    The implementation of the UMTS 900 frequency, Billing Verification Systems, NCA CERT, and technological neutrality are among the other significant initiatives that highlight the Authority’s dedication to upholding the NCA Act’s guarantees of consumer rights.

    The NCA’s Deputy Director General (Technical Operations), Prof Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, who led the Ghana delegation, underlined in his opening remarks that the meeting is a significant step towards regional integration.

    He mentioned Ghana’s initiative to advance regional connectivity, pointing to the country’s current bilateral roaming agreements with Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire.

    ‘This collaboration with The Gambia marks the next phase in extending affordable telecom services across the region’, he said.

    ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative to unify West Africa beyond cutting costs 

    Beyond only cutting expenses, Prof. Yeboah-Boateng emphasised that the collaboration represents a shared determination to build a West Africa where communication is smooth, inclusive, and promotes unity, tourism, and economic prosperity.

    At the meeting, Solo Sima, the Deputy Director General of the Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), expressed hope that the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative would play a major role in tying Africa together and generating jobs and economic prospects.

    He asked regulators to keep agreements flexible and customer-focused while taking into account the effects of new technologies like 5G.

    Read also: Ghana signs ECOWAS free roaming agreement with Togo, Bènin

    Ghana’s ECOWAS Free Roaming Agreements with other countries

    Ghana, Benin, and Togo currently have an agreement in place under the ECOWAS Free Roaming Regulations.

    This makes it possible for residents of these nations to take advantage of reasonably priced telecom services when they travel across borders.

    Benefits of ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative 

    Citizens of the countries bound by the ECOWAS Free Roaming Agreements can now enjoy the following:

    Affordable rates: In these nations, residents can now enjoy local rates for voice and SMS calls, doing away with expensive roaming fees.

    Free Call Reception: Roaming fees for call reception have been eliminated, so receiving calls from both domestic and foreign locations is free.

    Internet at Local Rates: Ghanaians can now use the internet at the same prices as people in Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire and vice versa.

    By extending these advantages to citizens travelling between Ghana and The Gambia, the agreements in Gambia will further foster regional cooperation and improve affordability for everybody.

  • Hackathon: NITDA, ECOWAS empower West African youths to protect continent’s cyberspace

    Hackathon: NITDA, ECOWAS empower West African youths to protect continent’s cyberspace

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have collaborated with other key stakeholders to strengthen the cybersecurity skills of West African youths, a critical move to safeguard the region’s digital infrastructure.

    This initiative is a strategic response to the growing threat of cybercrime in West Africa.

    ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray emphasised the urgency of this collaboration, stating that it is vital to secure the region’s cyberspace against the rising tide of cybercriminal activities.

    Read also: Nigeria partners with Cisco to enhance cybersecurity

    A hackathon for talent and regional security

    “The Hackathon challenge provides a crucial platform for identifying talent and supporting young individuals eager to engage with new technologies,” said Dr Touray as he addressed participants at the close of the 3rd ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon Challenge 2024 in Abuja. 

    The event, organised by ECOWAS and NITDA, drew participation from nations across West Africa, with government functionaries, private sector players, academic icons, and cybersecurity enthusiasts all coming together to confront the region’s most pressing digital threats.

    Touray, represented by Ambassador Sediko Douka, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalisation at the ECOWAS Commission, stressed the importance of equipping West African youth with up-to-date cybersecurity knowledge. 

    “By enhancing the cyber workforce, we contribute not only to the region’s stability but also to its security. In an era where cyber threats are constantly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is imperative,” he said.

    NITDA-ECOWAS bridging the skills gap with cybersecurity hackathons

    The two-day hackathon challenge was a learning experience, as participants were exposed to cutting-edge cybersecurity techniques, hands-on training, and valuable lessons that would fortify their skill sets.

    Touray lauded the event as a critical step toward building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem in West Africa, reiterating ECOWAS’s commitment to global efforts to protect digital assets and privacy.

    “The hackathon is not just about winning prizes; it’s about building a robust, resilient cyberspace that can withstand evolving threats,” said the Presidentof the ECOWAS Commission. 

    Read also: AI and strategic collaborations will transform Africa’s future says NITDA DG

    Representing NITDA, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions Oladejo Olawumi emphasised the need for initiatives like the hackathon to harness the talents of young people in the fight against cybercrime. 

    “It’s very interesting to see healthy competition in the technology sector, and that’s why we’re committed to channelling the energy of our youth towards constructive solutions. By doing so, we prevent them from being lured into cybercrime,” Olawumi said.

    Olawumi reaffirmed NITDA’s dedication to supporting future events that foster cybersecurity innovation, particularly as the collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector plays a crucial role in the battle against digital threats.

    This year’s hackathon saw participation from 12 West African countries, including Mauritania, with the top three teams receiving cash prizes and laptops. 

    The Nigerian team, ERROR, placed third, earning $6,000 and laptops for each team member. The M3V7R team from Benin Republic secured second place, winning $8,000 and laptops, while the first prize of $10,000 went to Cote d’Ivoire’s Shell X Roots.

    As West Africa continues to confront growing cyber threats, initiatives like the hackathon are critical for building a more secure digital future. By investing in the region’s youth and nurturing a culture of cybersecurity, ECOWAS and NITDA are setting the stage for a safer, more resilient cyberspace.

  • Ghana signs ECOWAS free roaming agreement with Togo, Bènin

    Ghana signs ECOWAS free roaming agreement with Togo, Bènin

    The Ghanaian authorities on Wednesday signed an ECOWAS free roaming agreement with Togo and Benin governments at the National Communications Authority (NCA) Tower in Accra.

    The ECOWAS Roaming Initiative, will allow citizens of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to use mobile services in each other’s countries without paying international roaming fees.

    Per the agreement, residents of Ghana no longer have to buy multiple SIM cards or roam their data when visiting Togo or Bènin.

    Read also: Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications moves to stem fibre cuts

    ECOWAS free roaming initiative to remove extra costs 

    Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Charles Acheampong, said the ECOWAS roaming initiative signals a new phase in Ghana’s ties with its neighbours—in this case, Togo and Benin—during his speech to attendees.

    The initiative, according to Mr Acheampong, highlights the common goal of West Africa, which is to have borders that do not hinder social contacts, commerce, or communication.

    “This Initiative will allow our citizens to stay connected seamlessly, without the burden of high roaming charges or the inconvenience of multiple SIMs,” he said.

    He explained that the agreement would eliminate extra costs and provide significant financial savings to Ghanaians during the first 30 days of their visit to the host nations. This will promote increased travel and a more cohesive and integrated region.

    He also encouraged the NCA to establish precise benchmarks for evaluating the ECOWAS Roaming Initiative’s effectiveness.

    “Only by measuring our progress can we ensure that we are delivering on the promises made to our citizens and achieving the intended outcomes,” Mr Acheampong added.

    Roaming initiative to unite West Africa people 

    Director General of the NCA, Dr. Joe Anokye, stressed that the launch was more than just a technical triumph. It represented a shared commitment, he said, to bring the people of West Africa closer together, beginning with our own countries.

    According to Dr Anokye, the ECOWAS Roaming Initiative began with the goal of creating a smooth communication environment between member states.

    He added that the implementation committees from Ghana, Benin, and Togo had worked tirelessly and with unflinching dedication, to ensure the success of the Free roam initiative.

    Dr. Hervé Coovi Guedegbe, the Executive Secretary of Benin’s Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP BENIN), acknowledged that the launch represents not only a significant step forward in cooperation between Ghana and Benin, but also a critical step towards regional integration within the Economic Community of West African States.

    Read also: African Union ECOSOCC, EESC present joint declaration at UN Summit of the Future

    The significant roles played by the Mobile Network Operators 

    The Director General of Togo’s Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications (ARCEPTogo), Michel Yaovi Galley, expressed his gratitude to all regulatory authority leaders, especially the Executive Secretary of ARCEP Benin and the Director General of Ghana’s NCA, for figuring out how to accomplish the bilateral implementation of the ECOWAS regulation in the best interests of all consumers and the people in the region.

    He also commended the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) for their efforts and cooperation towards the successes of the initiative.

    The mobile network operators of the three nations assured that they would bear responsibility for the project’s success.

  • Russia sells military technology to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso

    Russia sells military technology to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso

    To strengthen national security in the face of persistent threats from Islamist insurgencies, three West African nations ruled by military juntas have struck a significant agreement with Russia to purchase telecoms and surveillance satellites.

    To formalise the deal, representatives from Russia’s aerospace agency, Roscosmos, met with ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic on Monday in Bamako, according to the BBC.

    Read also: African Union ECOSOCC, EESC present joint declaration at UN Summit of the Future

    Technology to improve national security 

    According to Mali’s Finance Minister Alousséni Sanou, the technology will improve national security and border surveillance in all three nations and enable secure communications.

    Additionally, he mentioned that the satellites would help monitor and respond to other calamities, such as fires, floods, and droughts.

    Islamist insurgents heavily patrol the lengthy, porous borders of the three countries inside the vast, semi-arid Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert.

    In light of the recent militant attack on an airport in Bamako, which is located outside of typical war zones, Sanou stated that the remote-sensing satellite project is essential to their security plan.

    Ministers have stated that radio and television transmissions can now be beamed throughout Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali thanks to the telecom satellite. Additionally, phone and internet services are expected to be offered in remote and impoverished Sahelian areas.

    Russia has attempted to increase its influence in Africa, especially in the Sahel region, because ties with their Western friends have soured.

    Read also: Africa Creative Market: U.S.-Nigeria creative industry partnership grows, women founders receive support

    The security situation is still poor despite Russia’s assistance 

    The security situation is still poor despite the supply of Russian weapons and mercenaries; Russia disputes claims of crimes against civilians and the spread of false information throughout the Sahel region of West Africa.

    During a summit in July in Niamey, the capital of Niger, the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger signed a historic treaty of confederation. The deal reinforces the mutual defence pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) formed the previous year.

    The signing was a historic occasion because it was the first time that General Abdourahmane Tchiani of Niger, Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso, and Colonel Assimi Goita of Mali had met together since their respective overthrows in neighbouring West African nations.

    Notably, the treaty began a new age of collaboration and togetherness among the Sahel states. It was signed months after the three countries withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional grouping in January.

  • Nigerian Government encourages Citizens to apply as ECOWAS opens applications for cybersecurity hackathon

    Nigerian Government encourages Citizens to apply as ECOWAS opens applications for cybersecurity hackathon

    The Economic Community of West Africa’s (ECOWAS) cybersecurity hackathon, which aims to empower inhabitants of the region, is open to young Nigerians, the federal government of Nigeria has urged.

    The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the agency are partners in the Capture the Flag (CTF) tournament hosted by Nigeria and organised by ECOWAS.

    NITDA stated that the programme provides an excellent chance for novices and seasoned experts to immerse themselves in cybersecurity, develop new skills, and network with other enthusiasts while encouraging Nigerians to register for the competition.

    Read also: Nigeria’s NITDA initiates a programme to bridge digital divide

    ECOWAS Unique Approach to Hackathon Rewards

    Unlike other hackathons in the tech space, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a unique approach by not specifying the rewards for participants in the regional competition.

    While most hackathons typically offer prizes such as cash awards, trophies, or recognition to the winners, ECOWAS has chosen to keep the rewards under wraps.

    This approach has sparked curiosity and intrigue among potential participants eager to know what’s at stake. Despite the uncertainty, the competition is expected to attract talented innovators and problem-solvers from across the region, all vying for a chance to make a meaningful impact and showcase their skills.

    Talented individuals and teams are invited to join this exhilarating competition. Demonstrate your expertise, collaborate with peers, and push the boundaries of cybersecurity.

    ECOWAS stated on the hackathon’s website that talented individuals should be part of the talent pool driving cyberspace security for your country and West Africa.

    It added that the Cybersecurity Hackathon aims to foster a platform for young technology enthusiasts, enhancing the cyber workforce in the region.

    Eligibility Criteria and Nigeria’s Effort to Bridge the Cybersecurity Talent Gap

    The competition’s registration period began on July 18 and is anticipated to end on August 5, 2024. To be eligible for the hackathon, participants need to fulfil the following prerequisites, according to ECOWAS:

    Each participant must be a citizen of a nation that is part of ECOWAS. Please be aware that only participants who live in the area will receive travel tickets. A minimum of three (3) and four (4) players must make up each squad. It is recommended that teams have a minimum of one (1) female member.

    Read also: NITDA and GetBundi Launch Free Digital Literacy Program for Nigerian Youth

    The age range for participants must be seventeen (17) to thirty-five (35) years old. Things to be aware about Nigeria now has one of the lowest numbers of cybersecurity specialists worldwide, despite a steady rise in cyberattacks.

    As for the cybersecurity workforce, there are currently four million unfilled positions worldwide, according to a recent report from the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

    Nigeria and South Africa have more significant gaps to fill because they currently have fewer cybersecurity specialists than other countries, according to a global assessment that studied two African nations.

    Meanwhile, the country is addressing this talent shortage through its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, where the government aims to train 3 million Nigerians in technical skills, including cybersecurity.

  • ECOWAS, African Development Bank foster regional integration 

    ECOWAS, African Development Bank foster regional integration 

    In a concerted effort to bolster regional integration and enhance economic cooperation in West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Development Bank Group recently concluded a series of consultations for the mid-term assessment of the West Africa Regional Integration Strategy Paper (RISP) 2020-2025.

    The African Development Bank Group endorsed the West Africa RISP 2020-2025 in May 2020, signifying its commitment to supporting regional integration initiatives across West Africa. Boasting an initial indicative investment plan amounting to $4.52 billion, the West African RISP is primarily focused on fortifying resilient infrastructure and propelling the development of regional businesses.

    The consultation sessions, held from September 5 to 15, 2023, unfolded at the headquarters of the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. During this period, both parties engaged in an extensive appraisal of the midterm outcomes and conducted a comprehensive performance evaluation of the Bank’s regional portfolio.

    Read also: AfDB, South Korea to boost food security, vaccine production

    Navigating West African Integration Challenges

    The evaluation process honed in on pivotal issues central to West African integration, including challenges, opportunities, and prospects. It also examined the strategic direction of the Bank and the priority intervention areas, shared projects between the two institutions, and the status of their collaboration. These deliberations culminated in a consensus on the trajectory, orientation, and domains warranting intervention within the ambit of the Bank’s upcoming priority projects.

    Moreover, the consultations addressed a wide array of critical subjects encompassing economic affairs and agriculture, human development and social affairs, infrastructure, energy, digitalization, political considerations, peace and security, transportation, and information and communication technologies.

    Strengthening Partnerships for Progress

    Mr. Lamin G. Barrow, Director General of the Nigeria Country Department, who led the Bank’s delegation, underscored the deepening partnership between the ECOWAS Commission, the Bank, and regional institutions during the midterm assessment. Mr. Barrow emphasised the need for a comprehensive review after three years of implementing the regional strategy, especially in a context characterised by a series of challenges spanning health, security, socio-political developments, climate change, environmental concerns, food insecurity risks, and a surge of unconstitutional power changes. He further highlighted the urgency of drawing lessons from past experiences and proposing immediate corrective measures for implementation between 2024 and 2025.

    The Momentous Path Ahead

    President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, stressed the vital nature of cooperation with the African Development Bank in the implementation of the RISP. He emphasised the imperative of consolidating progress and realigning activities and institutions to yield tangible outcomes. Mr. Touray acknowledged the colossal challenges that lay ahead and the need for a concerted effort to surmount them.

    During the mission, the Bank Group delegation delved into the Bank Group’s Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa (2022-2026) and presented an overview of the “Security-indexed Investment Bonds.” Notably, the evaluations of the studies for the Abidjan-Lagos highway project laid the foundation for the construction commencement in early 2024. This transformative project entails a 1028-kilometre highway linking Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.

    A Strong Commitment to Integration and Development

    Under the umbrella of its Regional Integration Strategy Paper, the African Development Bank has successfully mobilised $884.14 million since 2020, encompassing 70 new operations, nearly doubling the initially planned 38 projects. Among these projects, noteworthy initiatives include the Rosso Bridge between Senegal and Mauritania, the Trans-Gambia Corridor with the bridge over the Gambia River between Senegal and Gambia, the Niger-Algeria Trans-African Highway Project, phase 2 of the Lomé-Cotonou Highway Refurbishment Project, and the Mano River Transport Development and Facilitation Project, among others.

    Principal Regional Integration Coordinator for West Central and West Africa, Youssouf Kone, and Ometere Omoluabi Davies, Principal Regional Integration Coordinator for the Nigeria Country Department, provided an overview of the implementation status of various projects. They also shared valuable insights into lessons learned and recommendations. The discussions spanned a wide spectrum of topics, including innovation in co-financing methods and resource mobilisation, the refinement of responses to fragility, and the fortification of public resilience.

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    A Vision of Resilience and Peace

    In her concluding remarks, Ms. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbadé, the Bank’s Vice-President in charge of Regional Development, Integration, and Service Delivery, reaffirmed the Bank Group’s unwavering commitment to providing decisive support to Member States and the ECOWAS Commission under the High-5 priority of “Integrate Africa.” She called for the Bank’s interventions to extend to the most vulnerable segments of the population, especially young people and women. The aim is to offer them economic opportunities while reinforcing institutional governance, bolstering public resilience, and addressing the root causes and consequences of regional instability. Ms. Akin-Olugbadé emphasised that “without stability and peace, there can be no development and no regional integration.”

    As the deliberations draw to a close, the mutual commitment to fostering regional integration and driving development in West Africa shines brightly. The collaborative efforts of ECOWAS and the African Development Bank Group are poised to yield far-reaching benefits for the region, with a focus on resilience, prosperity, and enduring peace.