By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
During the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Barcelona, Spain, Amara Brewah, the Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority (NatCA) and Chairman of the West African Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), highlighted the critical need for green telecommunications to foster sustainable development in West Africa.
Addressing regional policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders, Brewah urged stakeholders to prioritize eco-friendly practices and affordable spectrum pricing to drive digital growth throughout the region. His speech, titled “Green Telecommunications – Policies and Practices for More Sustainability,” underscored the telecommunications sector’s rapid expansion in West Africa and its potential positive impact on commerce, education, healthcare, and governance.
However, Brewah cautioned that this rapid growth comes with significant environmental challenges, including escalating energy consumption and increasing electronic waste. “It is essential to build telecommunications networks that connect people while protecting the environment,” Brewah stated. He emphasized how efficient telecom networks could enhance key sectors such as agriculture and transportation by enabling smarter systems that reduce waste and emissions.
Among his recommendations, Brewah advocated for the promotion of energy-efficient infrastructure, stressing the need for low-power base stations and intelligent cooling systems in data centers. He called for a transition away from diesel-powered telecom sites, particularly in remote areas, and encouraged the adoption of solar-powered and hybrid base stations as standard practice.
Additionally, Brewah highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive e-waste management policies to tackle the growing issue of obsolete telecom equipment. He proposed that regional regulators collaborate to establish recycling initiatives aimed at facilitating the responsible disposal of electronic waste.
To achieve these ambitious goals, Brewah stressed the importance of harmonized policies across West Africa to encourage sustainable telecom practices. He suggested the creation of regional standards for licensing and environmental impact assessments, which could help reduce compliance costs for operators.
In closing, Brewah urged all stakeholders to unite in the pursuit of a greener digital economy that meets both development needs and environmental protections.
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