Kigali Convention Center, 14:00 — Ministerial Programme Stage
at MWC25 Kigali, Mr. Amara Brewah, Director General of the National
Communications Authority (NatCA) Sierra Leone, delivered a landmark keynote address
titled “Empowering Africa Through Inclusive Spectrum Policies” to a distinguished
audience of ministers, regulators, industry leaders, and development partners. A
Visionary Voice for Africa’s Digital Future
Mr. Brewah’s keynote was more than a policy address—it was a call to action. With clarity
and conviction, he emphasized that Africa’s next wave of development will be powered not
by oil or diamonds, but by connectivity, and at the heart of that transformation lies a quiet,
invisible, yet priceless resource: spectrum. “Spectrum may be invisible,” he said, “but its
impact is everywhere. It powers our phones, our radios, our emergency services, our
schools, our hospitals, our economies.” He framed inclusive spectrum policy as not merely
technical, but as a social, economic, and moral mission, advocating for fairness and equity
so that every African—whether in a capital city or a rural village—has a signal, a voice,
and a chance. Policy Reform with Purpose
Mr. Brewah outlined a bold framework for spectrum reform across Africa: Transparent
licensing to attract investment Fair pricing to encourage rural rollout Coverage-based
incentives over revenue-based models Innovation-friendly policies to empower smaller
players and communities He urged policymakers to treat spectrum not as a revenue
stream, but as a development tool, emphasizing that “every connected village means hope
restored.” Rural Connectivity: From Isolation to Empowerment
Highlighting the transformative power of rural connectivity, Mr. Brewah shared vivid
examples: A farmer in Kambia checking market prices A nurse in a village clinic consulting
a doctor in Freetown A student attending online classes from a remote area “Connectivity
turns isolation into inclusion. It turns potential into prosperity. It turns inequality into
empowerment.” He stressed that the last mile must enjoy the same quality of connection
as the first, and that inclusion requires predictable policies, infrastructure sharing, and
simplified approvals. Sierra Leone’s Leadership in Spectrum Innovation
Under Mr. Brewah’s stewardship, NatCA Sierra Leone has become a regional model forprogressive spectrum management: Modernizing spectrum frameworks to be transparent,
fair, and inclusive Reviewing fees to attract investment Promoting partnerships and
infrastructure sharing Aligning with regional roadmaps and collaborating with WATRA,
ATU, and ITU He proudly noted Sierra Leone’s success with NGSO frameworks, which
have expanded coverage to rural and remote communities, bridging the digital divide. “Our
goal is simple: to make Sierra Leone a country where no community is left offline, and
where connectivity is treated not as a luxury—but as a right.” A Human-Centered
Approach
Mr. Brewah’s speech culminated in a deeply personal story of Aminata, a young girl in
rural Sierra Leone who studies by torchlight and dreams of becoming a nurse. Her access
to online learning, powered by inclusive spectrum policy, symbolizes the human impact of
digital equity. “It’s not about megahertz—it’s about hope. Hope made visible through
connectivity.” A Continental Call to Action
He closed with three clear commitments for Africa’s digital future: Publish or update
national connectivity roadmaps Reform spectrum pricing and licensing for rural expansion
Promote collaboration and innovation—from community networks to satellites “Spectrum
is not just a technical resource. It is a human resource. It carries the voices of our people,
the ideas of our youth, and the dreams of our future.” A Beacon at MWC25 Kigali
Mr. Brewah’s keynote was a defining moment at Africa’s premier connectivity event. His
leadership, grounded in vision and inclusivity, continues to inspire bold strategies for digital
empowerment across the continent. “Because when Africa is connected, Africa is
unstoppable.
