he Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intensified efforts to strengthen regional coordination on telecommunications and spectrum management as experts from across the region gather in Abuja for the Third ECOWAS Preparatory Meeting for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).
The three-day meeting, organized by the ECOWAS Commission through its Directorate of Digital Economy and Post from June 16 to 18, brings together technical experts and policymakers from ECOWAS Member States to develop a unified regional position on key radiocommunication issues ahead of the global conference.
Participants are expected to formulate preliminary ECOWAS Common Positions (ECOCOP), which will be submitted to the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) for consideration in the development of African Common Proposals for WRC-27.
According to ECOWAS, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that West Africa speaks with a coordinated and influential voice on matters relating to radio-frequency spectrum management, satellite communications, and emerging digital technologies.
The meeting provides an opportunity for member states to review agenda items expected to shape future global telecommunications policies and identify common priorities that reflect the interests and developmental needs of the region.
By harmonizing regional perspectives, ECOWAS seeks to strengthen Africa's influence in international negotiations on spectrum allocation and satellite governance, areas considered critical for expanding digital connectivity, improving communication services, and supporting economic growth.
The outcomes of the Abuja meeting will feed into broader continental consultations led by the African Telecommunications Union, culminating in the formulation of African Common Proposals to be presented at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027.
ECOWAS officials say a united regional position will help ensure that West Africa's priorities are adequately represented in global discussions that will determine the future use of radio spectrum and satellite resources.
The World Radiocommunication Conference, convened by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serves as the global decision-making forum responsible for reviewing and revising international regulations governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbital resources.
As digital transformation accelerates across Africa, ECOWAS views the Abuja meeting as a critical step toward safeguarding the region's interests and enhancing its participation in shaping the future of global telecommunications governance.