Support to the establishment of an integrated ICT market in West Africa

Changing Policy and Regulatory Framework Changing Policy and Regulatory Framework for ECOWAS countries Focus Shifting From Telecommunications to ICTs Driven by Desire to Join Information Society New Service Providers Responding to Pent Up Demand Business, Policy, Regulatory and Technological Innovations Optimistic development goals

National Regulatory Authorities in Africa Source: ITU World Telecommunication Regulatory Database, 2004.

Policy And Regulatory Reform Creating Growth Opportunities Source: ITU World Telecommunication Regulatory Database, 2004.

Africa: A Mobile World ITU World Telecommunication Indicators Database Source: ITU World Telecommunication Regulatory Database, 2004.

Ownership Status of the Incumbent Operator, worldwide In pink, (partially or fully) private incumbent, 2003 from 1991 to 2003 Source: ITU World Telecommunication Regulatory Database, 2004.

How To Ensure ICT Development Goals Are Met? Build on Initial Successes in Mobile Sector Promote Competition and Market Growth in all ICT markets Technology-neutral licenses Innovative African-Focused Business Strategies including Pre Paid Model Promote Public Access and Local Content Foster Trans-national Roaming Agreements and Cross-Border Operators

BeninBurkina Faso Cape VerdeCôte dIvoire GambiaGhana GuineaGuinea Bissau LiberiaMali NigerNigeria SenegalSierra Leone Togo Common Market Project Beneficiary Countries

Key Partners WATRA ITU UEMOA ECOWAS EC World Bank

promoting policy development and regulatory reform in relation to ICT building human and institutional capacity in the field of ICT Project Objectives

Project Activities Identification of main constraints towards establishing a common ICT market Development of models/guidelines/recommendations In country assistance (missions by short term experts to requesting countries) Capacity building

Outputs and Deliverables Draft model ICT policy and legislation on the basis of this review; Draft model license agreement(s); National universal service policies, regulation and procedures Model interconnection agreements Spectrum and numbering management guidelines Market data collection and sharing tools

Suggested Methodology for Preparation of Deliverables Example: Licensing Review existing licensing practices and procedures in all the ECOWAS/UEMOA countries; Review existing documentation Carry out case studies in countries using different licensing procedures. Prepare a report of guidelines and recommendations on best practice licensing procedures and practices; Draft model license agreement(s)

Suggested Methodology for Preparation of Deliverables Example: Licensing (Continued) Disseminate to national country focal points for comments; Convene validation workshop for all countries; Revise the documents during the workshop; Develop an action plan for implementation of recommendations; Provide direct assistance to requesting countries to help them to transpose into national practice.

Next Steps Confirm deliverables Approve methodology Identify and prioritize training needs Designate national focal points