The 24th annual meeting of the Francophone Network of Telecommunications Regulation (FRATEL) concluded in Conakry, Guinea, on October 30, 2026. The two-day event brought together international stakeholders to discuss "Measures to Support the Deployment of Digital Infrastructure." The meeting defined strategic priorities for 2027, focusing on innovation and regional cooperation. Guinea's hosting of the event showcased its ambition for digital transformation, aligned with President Mamadi Doumbouya's vision.
The meeting was addressed by Adama Condé, Deputy Director-General of the Guinean Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications (ARPT). He expressed gratitude to President Doumbouya for his support, highlighting the president's Simandou 2040 program, which prioritizes infrastructure, transportation, and technology. Condé also acknowledged the President of the National Regulatory Council for his guidance. The event marked a significant milestone in Guinea's efforts to enhance its digital landscape.
Patricia Amand, elected President of FRATEL for 2027 and a member of the Côte d'Ivoire's ART CI Regulatory Council, presented the meeting's outcomes and key areas for focus. These include using global tools for economic modeling, accelerating territorial coverage, improving coordination among stakeholders, and strengthening regulatory oversight. Amand emphasized the need for data-driven decision-making and robust infrastructure to support digital development.
The meeting also explored the role of regulators in promoting effective infrastructure deployment. Key areas of focus include controlling and monitoring services, providing tariff comparisons, and evaluating service quality. The participants recognized the importance of adapting to emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data centers. These areas are critical for supporting the growth of digital services.
The FRATEL meeting adopted the 2026 activity report, elected the 2027 coordination committee, and validated the plan for the upcoming year. Programs like iPRIS and RegNum will continue to facilitate experience sharing and capacity building within the network. Amand urged members to translate the meeting's resolutions into concrete actions and measurable results.
The event highlighted the need for regulators to address emerging challenges, including energy and environmental concerns. The participants emphasized the importance of promoting competitive, secure, and efficient infrastructure to support digital development. The meeting's outcomes reflect the commitment of FRATEL members to advancing telecom regulation and infrastructure development.
The 24th FRATEL meeting demonstrated the value of cooperation among regulators in promoting digital development. The event's conclusions and priorities for 2027 will guide the efforts of FRATEL members to address the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving telecom landscape. The next steps will focus on implementing the agreed-upon strategies and monitoring progress.
Key points
- FRATEL sets new priorities for 2027 to boost telecom infrastructure development.
- Guinea's hosting of the meeting showcases its ambition for digital transformation.
- Regulators emphasize the need for data-driven decision-making and robust infrastructure.
