The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) is pleased to announce that its Executive Secretary, Mr. Aliyu Aboki, has been appointed to the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience.
Established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), this body aims to improve the resilience of submarine telecommunication cables, the backbone of global digital connectivity.
Submarine cables carry the majority of the world’s internet traffic, enabling essential global services such as commerce, finance, government operations, healthcare, and education. Enhancing their resilience is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted digital connectivity.
Mr. Aboki’s appointment to this high-level body comes at a critical time when disruptions to digital connectivity in West Africa have underscored the urgent need to protect vital telecommunications infrastructure.
As WATRA’s Executive Secretary, he brings valuable regional expertise to the Advisory Body’s mission. His appointment will enable the region to contribute significantly to shaping global best practices for the deployment, maintenance, and protection of submarine cables, ensuring a stable and resilient digital ecosystem for millions across the continent.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Aboki stated, “Recent disruptions to telecommunications services in West Africa, caused by damage to critical submarine cables, have highlighted the vulnerability of our digital infrastructure.
These incidents, affecting countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia, led to significant connectivity issues and emphasized the urgent need for enhanced resilience in our submarine cable systems.
As WATRA’s Executive Secretary, I have firsthand experience of the crucial role that secure and reliable digital connectivity plays in driving economic development, supporting government operations, and enabling access to essential services across the region.
This appointment to the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience provides an opportunity to strengthen global collaboration and bring West African perspectives to the forefront of discussions on protecting these critical infrastructures.
It is imperative that we work together with experts and stakeholders to develop strategies that make submarine cables more resilient to disruptions, safeguarding the continuity of services essential to the global digital economy.”
The Advisory Body comprises 40 global leaders, including ministers, heads of regulatory authorities, industry executives, and experts. Co-chaired by H.E. Minister Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, and Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Communications Authority of Portugal (ANACOM), the group will develop strategies to enhance the security and resilience of submarine cable infrastructure worldwide.
WATRA’s participation in this global effort reaffirms its leadership role in driving policies that prioritize digital connectivity, economic growth, and sustainable development. By representing the region’s interests, Mr. Aboki will ensure that West Africa continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of telecommunications.