As West Africa enters a defining decade for digital development, the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure is becoming one of the region’s most visible—and transformative—signs of progress. Mobile networks are extending into previously unconnected regions. Fibre-optic backbones are enabling cross-border data traffic. Start-ups, governments and citizens are rapidly embracing mobile-based services across sectors from finance to education.
This connectivity is essential for the region’s development. But it is not without consequence. The telecom sector—often seen purely as an engine of growth—also has a growing environmental footprint. Across the region, off-grid base stations are still largely powered by diesel generators. Cooling data centres consumes excessive amounts of energy. And as network equipment is upgraded, discarded devices add to the region’s mounting electronic waste.
We must ask a vital question: as we connect West Africa to the digital economy, can we also protect the environment that sustains it?
The answer lies in a policy and regulatory shift toward green telecommunications—the development and operation of digital infrastructure in ways that minimise environmental impact. For West Africa, this is not only a climate obligation; it is a strategic economic opportunity.
Telecom expansion and the climate challenge
The pace of telecoms growth in the region is rapid and welcome. According to recent estimates, mobile subscriptions across ECOWAS countries have crossed 240 million, with broadband penetration climbing steadily. But this expansion is not yet matched by a commensurate focus on environmental sustainability.
Off-grid telecom sites are still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. E-waste from network upgrades is often unmanaged. And sustainability reporting by operators remains inconsistent across markets. Without intervention, the emissions and waste generated by the telecom sector could undermine national and regional climate goals—including those under the Paris Agreement and ECOWAS’ own energy transition agenda.
Six Priorities for greener networks
At the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), we believe now is the time for decisive regional action. We have identified six core policy areas to guide the shift toward more sustainable telecom networks.
1. Align telecom policy with climate goals
Telecommunications regulators must integrate environmental criteria into digital development frameworks. That means ensuring national and regional telecom strategies explicitly support broader energy and emissions targets.
“Without intervention, the emissions and waste generated by the telecom sector could undermine national and regional climate goals—including those under the Paris Agreement and ECOWAS’ own energy transition agenda.”
2. Incentivise energy efficiency in network infrastructure
Operators should be encouraged to deploy low-energy base stations, intelligent cooling technologies, and next-generation network equipment. Regulatory incentives—such as licensing preferences or streamlined approvals—can drive adoption.
3. Mainstream renewable energy for off-grid sites
In rural areas, where grid access is limited, diesel dependence remains high. Solar-powered and hybrid telecom sites must become the norm. Public-private partnerships and access to green financing instruments will be critical in scaling clean energy solutions.
4. Establish a regional e-waste policy framework
Currently, few West African countries have comprehensive policies on telecom-related e-waste. WATRA is working to promote a harmonised regional approach that includes equipment collection mandates, safe recycling standards, and extended producer responsibility.
5. Harmonise regulatory standards across borders
For operators active in multiple markets, inconsistency in environmental regulations increases complexity and costs. Developing common standards for green licensing, sustainability reporting, and emissions benchmarks will foster compliance and investor confidence.
6. Improve environmental data and transparency
Credible data is essential. Environmental impact assessments should be mandatory for large-scale projects, and operators should be required to report annually on energy use, emissions, and green technology deployment. WATRA is developing a standardised regional reporting template to facilitate this.
Sustainability is good business
The transition to greener telecommunications is not simply about corporate responsibility—it makes economic sense. Energy-efficient networks reduce operating costs over time. Clean-powered base stations are less vulnerable to fuel price volatility. Companies with strong sustainability credentials are more attractive to ESG-focused investors.
Moreover, telecom-enabled services are already contributing to emissions reductions in other sectors. For example, smart logistics solutions—powered by mobile platforms—are helping West African companies optimise delivery routes and reduce fuel consumption. Remote education and e-government services reduce the need for travel, easing the pressure on urban transport systems and emissions.
In this context, telecommunications is not only a sector to decarbonise—it is also a key enabler of broader green growth.
A continental opportunity
West Africa’s digital development has a chance to leapfrog unsustainable legacy systems. We can design and build resilient, green infrastructure from the start, rather than retrofitting systems later at a higher cost.
WATRA’s role, as a convening platform for 16 national regulators, is to support this transition. We are working to harmonise regulatory frameworks, facilitate knowledge sharing, and build consensus on green standards. But we also recognise the importance of collaboration beyond government. Operators, manufacturers, financiers and multilateral institutions must work in tandem to align incentives and scale sustainable solutions.
The moment to act
As I conclude my tenure as Chairman of WATRA, I am optimistic—but not complacent. The urgency is clear. West Africa’s telecom sector must remain an engine of development—but it must also become a model of climate-aware infrastructure planning.
We must act now to green the networks we are building—to align our digital ambition with environmental responsibility. If we succeed, West Africa will not only connect more people to opportunity—it will connect them to a future that is more secure, more equitable, and more sustainable.
Amara Bremah is the Chairman of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) and Director-General of the National Telecommunications Commission (NatCA), Sierra Leone.
