NatCA Director General Delivers Transformative Speech at MWC25 Kigali

The Director General of the National Communications Authority (NatCA) Sierra Leone, Mr. Amara Brewah, delivered a landmark keynote address at MWC25 Kigali titled “Empowering Africa Through Inclusive Spectrum Policies.” The event brought together ministers, regulators, industry leaders, and development partners from across the continent.

A Visionary Voice for Africa’s Digital Future

Mr. Brewah’s keynote went beyond a policy presentation—it was a powerful call to action. Speaking with clarity and conviction, he asserted that Africa’s next wave of progress will not be driven by oil or diamonds, but by connectivity. At the heart of this transformation, he said, lies a vital yet often overlooked resource: spectrum.

“Spectrum may be invisible,” Mr. Brewah stated, “but its impact is everywhere. It powers our phones, our radios, our emergency services, our schools, our hospitals, and our economies.”

He emphasized that inclusive spectrum policy is not merely a technical issue, but a social, economic, and moral mission—a commitment to fairness and equity ensuring that every African, whether in a capital city or a remote village, has a signal, a voice, and an opportunity.

Policy Reform with Purpose

Outlining a bold roadmap for spectrum reform across Africa, Mr. Brewah proposed:
• Transparent licensing to attract sustainable investment
• Fair pricing to encourage rural network expansion
• Coverage-based incentives over revenue-based models
• Innovation-friendly policies to empower smaller operators and communities

He urged African policymakers to view spectrum not as a mere revenue stream, but as a development tool, reminding the audience that “every connected village means hope restored.

See attached the NaTCA DIrector General Speech at Kigali

Mr. Amara Brewah Delivers Transformative Keynote at MWC25 Kigali

Kigali Convention Center, 14:00 — Ministerial Programme Stage

Today 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 for progressive 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.”