Last week marked the end of Week One of the 8th iPRIS Cohort peer-to-peer learning programme in Stockholm, Sweden. Telecom experts from Liberia Telecommunications Authority(LTA), Information and Communications Technologies Authority (ICTA), Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), National Communications Authority (NatCA), Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Postal & Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), convened to strengthen their regulatory capacity and advance digital transformation across Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to GSMA (2024), Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region with the lowest connectivity levels and the most extensive coverage and usage gaps, with 27% connected, a coverage gap of 13%, and a usage gap of 60%. This report highlights the need for African telecom experts to strengthen their regulatory capacity so as to bridge these gaps and advance inclusive digital connectivity.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in interactive discussion sessions led by experts from iPRIS implementing partners, including the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions  SPIDER and the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS). Progressively, the sessions transitioned from foundational concepts in systems thinking and regulation to more applied discussions on institutional frameworks and the practical design of Change Initiatives (CIs).

Day 1: Change initiatives and project management for effective regulatory change

The first day of the programme focused on grounding participants in their Change Initiatives and an afternoon project management session to strengthen and enable effective regulatory change.

Each National Regulatory Authority introduced its change initiatives, including quality of service, Digital inclusion for people with disabilities, Cybersecurity, Market regulation, and Spectrum management. In detail, the NRAs outlined their core focus, gaps, challenges, and scope, and received feedback from not only telecom experts from PTS and SPIDER but also fellow NRAs. This peer exchange reinforced one of the core strengths of iPRIS collaborative regulatory learning across regions. Key frameworks such as Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) were mentioned, highlighting iPRIS's commitment to digital inclusivity. 

Structuring change through project management

Building on the CIs' presentations, Malena Liendholm Ndounou (SPIDER) led the participants through a project management session, shifting the focus to practical implementation. The session introduced key tools, including a project management plan, which will help them ensure effective execution of these projects so they not only meet their objectives but also advance digital inclusivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. As Malena emphasised:

A central message from the session was that successful regulatory projects depend not only on technical expertise, but also on how clearly the problem is defined and how realistically the solution is designed. Malena further emphasised success factors beyond traditional results-based management, highlighting focus, simplicity, faith, and structured planning as essential elements for driving sustainable regulatory change.

Day 2: JEO institutional and legal frameworks

Day 2 shifted focus toward the institutional and legal frameworks shaping telecom regulation in Sweden and the broader European context.

Legal experts Per Andersson and Antonia Wopenka from PTS introduced participants to the Swedish constitutional system, the structure of government institutions, and PTS's role as an independent regulatory authority. The discussion also explored how public financing, accountability structures, and institutional independence shape regulatory effectiveness.

A key emphasis was placed on the principle of independence in regulatory work.

 This reinforced the importance of safeguarding regulatory decisions from external influence in order to maintain credibility, fairness, and consistency in enforcement.

Complementing this perspective, Antonia Wopenka highlighted Sweden’s strong legal culture of openness and accountability, particularly in public administration. He stated:

 “Transparency and access are the rule, and secrecy is the exception. Official documents should be accessible to all, and secrecy must always be grounded in law.” 

Given that the EU forms the foundation of regulation in Sweden, a session on the overview of the EU, how it works and how Sweden navigates in the EU was insightful.

Secure communications, Digital identity wallet, and Cybersecurity

Digital connectivity is fundamentally about communications, particularly secure communications. Building on these, the second half of the day focused on emerging priorities in digital regulation.

Jesper Svedberg from PTS presented on secure communications and telecom preparedness, highlighting the importance of resilience, emergency readiness, and international cooperation in ensuring continuity of communication services during crises.

A session on the European Digital Identity Wallet by Per-Erik Vitasp illustrated how regulatory systems are evolving to support seamless, secure access to key national services across banking, healthcare, travel, and government platforms. By reducing reliance on repeated identity verification, the system represents a shift toward interoperable and user-centred digital governance.

The day concluded with a cybersecurity session by Gustav Söderlind. Cybersecurity has been an emerging threat to the telecom sector, and this session helped share insights into how regulatory frameworks aim to curb cybersecurity risks. Through the PTS regulations and the EU’s influence on cybersecurity policies, cybersecurity has been viewed as a question of digital resilience, regulatory oversight, and cross-border trust, reflecting the increasing interconnectedness of modern telecom systems.

Day 3: Project management and inclusive regulation

As the week progressed, participants began to strengthen and refine their CIs through deeper engagement with project management methodologies. Malena Liedholm Ndounou (SPIDER) emphasised the importance of strategic planning.

This was reinforced by the introduction of a structured seven-stage project cycle that guides participants through problem identification, objective setting, outcome definition, indicator selection, resource planning, stakeholder mapping, implementation, and MEAL.

Through case scenarios and examples from European Union and SPIDER-led projects, participants were encouraged to think critically about how regulatory ideas translate into real-world implementation. 

DEI remained central to the discussions. The importance of inclusive regulatory design was highlighted, ensuring that digital transformation initiatives consider underserved communities, accessibility, and broader social equity dimensions throughout the implementation stages of a project. This was further echoed in reflections on budgeting and equity, with the reminder that:

“There is no such thing as a neutral budget, and a budget that does not seek to balance or to reduce inequalities will by definition contribute to reinforcing existing inequalities.” - Malena Liedholm Ndounou (SPIDER)  

This day also included a field visit to the PTS, providing participants with practical exposure to the regulatory environment discussed in theory. 

Day 4: Advancing telecom regulation: Numbering, spectrum and pricing 

As the week drew to a close, participants continued to attend technical sessions on JEO numbering and spectrum management, deepening their understanding of telecom systems and regulatory evolution.

Discussions on numbering systems highlighted how traditional geographically bound structures are evolving into more flexible, user-centric frameworks driven by mobile technology. These shifts reflect broader changes in how communication services are structured and regulated in increasingly digital societies. 

At the same time, participants explored challenges such as identity manipulation and fraud. A growing concern was the rise of SMS-based fraud, as criminals increasingly shifted from voice spoofing. This highlighted the need for continuously adaptive regulatory responses to emerging risks.

Another key discussion focused on telecom pricing regulation, where structured cost models were presented as tools to ensure that operators recover investment and operating costs while maintaining fair and sustainable market conditions.

Day 5: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

iPRIS is committed to shaping an inclusive, digitally empowered future; hence, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are central to the regulations. Marking the end of week one, the participants indulged in sessions on DEI led by SPIDER experts, Malena Liendholm Ndounou and Caroline Wamala Larsson.

Throughout the morning sessions, participants explored various concepts and frameworks in DEI. Starting with intersectionality, Caroline Wamala Larsson emphasised that inequality cannot be understood through gender alone but multiple identities, including age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, race, and religion, intersect to shape individuals’ access to resources, opportunities, and digital inclusion. 

“Just as there's a gender digital divide, there's also an age divide, a race or ethnicity divide, and even a geographic divide. Many of you have talked about the rural divide in terms of how many people are actually online. So these divides also need to be considered because resources are not only about women, but also about age.” - Caroline Wamala Larsson(SPIDER)

On equity, Malena noted that having the same rights does not necessarily mean having the same opportunities. The participants explored ways to address barriers to equity, including affordability, digital literacy, relevance, safety, and security.

“Having the same rights does not necessarily translate into having the same opportunities. Equity is about targeted needs-based support.”  - Malena Liendholm Ndounou(SPIDER)

The session on DEI ended with an emphasis on regulators' roles in designing inclusive systems, particularly in sectors like telecommunications, to ensure inclusion and accessibility for all, including people with disabilities. Key examples included assistive technologies such as wheelchair-accessible ATMs, audio-supported interfaces, and Braille. The session highlighted the need to proactively create inclusive environments, recognising that disability is not always permanent or visible, as ageing can lead to conditions like low vision, loss of fingerprints, or limited mobility. 

SPIDER Projects: Advancing Inclusive Digital Solutions 

The afternoon sessions explored SPIDER’s role in inclusive development. Edna Soomre, JohnBlack Kabukye, and Katja Sarajeva introduced SPIDER’s projects. The projects were anchored in a human-centred approach to technology, as emphasised by Edna Soomre.

SPIDER has been working on inclusive digital and health innovation projects to strengthen access to essential services and build institutional capacity. Through initiatives such as Health Alliance for Digital Development and Action (HADDA) and HoliCare, SPIDER supports the development and localisation of healthcare solutions, including improved access to diagnostics and the integration of technology with training for health workers to enhance patient outcomes. 

The sessions also highlighted broader digital governance considerations, including capacity-building approaches such as EU Twinning programmes that support collaboration between government institutions and international partners to address development needs.

Conclusion

Week One of the 8th iPRIS Cohort established a strong foundation for the telecom experts in Stockholm. Across the sessions, participants progressed from conceptual discussions of regulation to a more applied understanding of how policy frameworks, institutional structures, and technological change interact in practice. The week consistently emphasised the need to translate regulatory intent into actionable, measurable, and context-sensitive interventions. 

A key insight that emerged was the evolving nature of telecom ecosystems, in which traditional systems are being reshaped by digital transformation, while new risks demand adaptive and forward-looking regulatory frameworks. In this context, Dr Caroline Wamala Larsson (SPIDER) emphasised the importance of trust and safety in digital transformation.

This was complemented by Katja Sarajeva (SPIDER), who highlighted the inherent trade-offs in digital systems.

Week One, therefore, marked the start of a deeper process of refining Change Initiatives into practical solutions that can strengthen digital inclusion and regulatory effectiveness across Sub-Saharan Africa.

iPRIS is coordinated and implemented by SPIDER in strategic and technical partnership with the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) and Institut luxembourgeois de régulation (ILR), as well as ARTAC, CRASA, EACO, and WATRA.

iPRIS is funded by the European Union, Sweden, and Luxembourg as part of the Team Europe Initiative “D4D for Digital Economy and Society in Sub-Saharan Africa” (Code: 001).

By Prof. Caroline Wamala-Larsson 

Having lived in Sweden for more than two decades, I have seen what coordinated telecommunications policy can achieve. 

I remember arriving late one winter evening in Brussels for a conference. The city was unfamiliar, the streets quiet, and I was unsure how to get to my hotel. Standing at the station, I called my husband in Stockholm. Using online maps, he guided me step by step until I arrived safely. Across Europe, connectivity follows the user, not the border. Whether travelling from Sweden to Norway or further south to Spain, my phone works as if I never left home. Calls cost the same, networks are seamless, and the experience is largely invisible.

This is not accidental. It is the result of regulatory cooperation across borders and countries choosing to prioritise affordable, reliable connectivity for their citizens. In many parts of Africa, particularly along border regions, the reality is very different.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, border communities function as shared social and economic spaces rather than clear divides. Trade, family ties, and daily movement flow across boundaries that were colonially imposed rather than socially defined. Yet mobile networks do not reflect this reality. Phones frequently latch onto foreign signals without warning, triggering roaming charges or service disruptions. For many, this is not just inconvenient it is costly.

Consider Nana Mensah, a small bakery owner in Aflao, a town along the Ghana–Togo border. Her business relies heavily on mobile connectivity to coordinate with customers, place orders with suppliers, and manage deliveries. Yet even within a small radius, her phone may connect to a neighbouring country’s network instead.

The impact goes beyond her alone. Her customers struggle to reach her, orders are delayed or missed, and communication with suppliers of key ingredients becomes inconsistent. Transport arrangements become harder to coordinate, especially when timing is critical. Over time, these disruptions translate into fluctuating orders, unpredictable sales, and reduced business stability.

Each unintended network switch brings additional costs, but more importantly, it introduces uncertainty into a business that depends on reliability. 

Similar dynamics play out across East Africa. For cross-border traders in Busia, transport operators in Namanga, or small businesses operating along regional corridors, connectivity is not optional it is a lifeline. It enables mobile payments, access to market information,  coordination of  medical teams. When networks fail or become expensive, productivity is directly affected.

From 9 to 12 March 2026, telecom regulators and experts convened in Accra, Ghana, under the iPRIS peer-to-peer programme, building on earlier exchanges held in Sweden in November 2025. The convening brought together national regulatory authorities from across Africa alongside regional bodies and international partners.

A key takeaway was clear: while mobile network coverage has expanded significantly across the continent, affordability and reliability particularly in border regions remain uneven. Encouragingly, practical solutions are emerging.

In Ghana, telecom regulators from the National Communication Authority-Ghana translated this challenge into a consumer awareness pilot in Aflao, helping residents understand how to configure their phones to avoid unintended cross-border roaming. 

At a broader level, regional cooperation is beginning to reshape the landscape. In Southern Africa, the One Network Area (ONA) framework is demonstrating what is possible when regulators align. Countries including Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi have begun harmonising roaming tariffs, with reductions ranging from 10% to over 90% across voice, data, and SMS services. Early evidence suggests that lower prices can drive higher usage, offsetting potential revenue losses.

Closer to home, the East African Community’s ONA initiative has also made progress, significantly reducing roaming costs by treating cross-border communication within partner states almost as local calls. For businesses operating across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and beyond, this has begun to ease the cost of staying connected.

What is needed now is a more intentional shift: from isolated reforms to fully integrated regional connectivity frameworks. First, regulators must accelerate harmonisation across regional blocs to ensure consistency in pricing, service quality, and consumer protection. Fragmentation undermines progress.

Second, policy must reflect the lived realities of border communities. Connectivity is experienced differently across gender, age, and income levels. For informal traders and small enterprises, even small cost fluctuations can have significant consequences.

Third, connectivity must be recognised as economic infrastructure. Cross-border trade, digital finance, and regional integration all depend on reliable communication. Addressing roaming challenges is therefore central to unlocking intra-African trade.

Finally, multi-stakeholder collaboration will be key. Regulators, telecom operators, regional organisations, and development partners must align to scale solutions.

Because connectivity is not only about communication it is also about safety, dignity, and participation.The ability to reach someone whether for business, emergency support, or simple reassurance should never depend on whether your phone has crossed into another network.

Watch more insights from Prof. Caroline alongside Norah Sitati from EACO  below

The iPRIS programme enters its second year with the launch of the eighth cohort, bringing together regulators from Liberia, Namibia, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. From 13th April 2026 to 29th April 2026, the regulators will spend three weeks in Stockholm, Sweden, to collaborate, implement their change initiatives, refine national reform plans, and exchange lessons to strengthen Africa’s digital future. They will also be joined by other telecom experts from regional regulatory organisations (RROs): the East African Communications Organisation (EACO), the Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), and the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), who will share lessons from regional cooperation frameworks.

The digital divide in Sub-Saharan Africa

Over the past decade, Sub‑Saharan Africa has shown remarkable growth in digital access. Internet use has continued to rise, with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimating that by 2025 around 36% of the region’s population was online. Mobile broadband has been the main driver of this progress, and the GSMA reports that more than 400 million people in Africa now use mobile internet, a figure expected to grow as 4G and 5G networks expand.

However, the digital divide still needs to be bridged; millions remain offline, particularly in rural areas where affordability and digital skills remain barriers. This gap is not just about connectivity; it is about access to education, healthcare, financial services, and opportunities that depend on being digitally included.

iPRIS aims to advance telecom regulation in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve the aforementioned sectors. By equipping regulators with the tools to design inclusive policies, manage spectrum effectively, and promote affordable access, iPRIS helps ensure that connectivity gains translate into real opportunities for citizens. Progress is being made, but reaching the goal of universal access will require sustained collaboration, and iPRIS is part of that journey.

Expanding the network: A growing community of regulators

Since its inception in November 2023, the iPRIS programme has evolved into a dynamic platform for peer learning and regional cooperation. Initially a pilot initiative and a successor of the ITP program, it has now supported over 120 telecom regulators across 33 African countries, advancing inclusive, evidence-based approaches to ICT policy and regulation.

iPRIS has convened cohorts in Europe and Africa, each contributing to a broader knowledge ecosystem. Regulators have shared best practices, piloted reforms, and built sustainable partnerships, accelerating the continent’s digital transformation. With the Lusophone cycle in the planning phase this year, the iPRIS network will continue to connect major NRAs across Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve their regulatory objectives, both nationally and regionally. 

With the eighth cohort, iPRIS further expands its footprint, adding new experiences and perspectives from participants. This collaborative model has engaged over 200 telecom experts, strengthening institutional capacity, improving policy coherence, and bridging regional divides in digital governance. By 2028, the programme aims to have trained over 300 regulators from 43 National Regulatory Authorities, embedding reforms that make Africa’s digital future more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Progress across nations: Impact stories

The eighth iPRIS cohort is not starting from scratch; each participating regulator arrives with a track record of reforms already reshaping their national digital landscapes. From rural connectivity projects to regional roaming agreements, from cybersecurity enforcement to inclusive ICT training, these initiatives show how regulation is driving real progress for citizens and businesses. Together, they illustrate the diverse ways African regulators are bridging the digital divide and building a more resilient digital environment.

Liberia: 

Liberia’s digital journey is gathering pace, and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has been at the centre of it. Over the past year, the regulator has pushed forward ambitious plans to modernise the country’s connectivity landscape. At the Liberia Infrastructure Conference, LTA showcased opportunities in 5G networks, fibre‑to‑the‑home rollout, and the Amílcar Cabral undersea cable, signalling a clear intent to attract private investment and accelerate digital transformation. These projects are not just about technology; they are about positioning Liberia as a competitive hub in West Africa’s digital economy.

On the ground, the impact is visible. In Vahun, Lofa County, a new communications tower has brought mobile coverage to thousands who previously struggled to connect. For schools, satellite internet kits are being deployed to support digital learning, opening doors for children in rural areas to access the same resources as their peers in Monrovia. LTA has also convened forums to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind, engaging operators and community leaders to improve accessibility and accountability.

At the same time, Liberia is strengthening its digital backbone. By participating in the National Peering Forum, LTA has advanced the country’s Internet Exchange Point, reducing costs and improving speeds for everyday users. Internationally, the regulator has been active at events like the TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Nairobi and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, bringing home insights on cybersecurity, consumer protection, and innovation.

Namibia: 

Namibia’s regulator, CRAN, has been steadily working to bring connectivity to communities that have long been underserved. In recent months, new telecommunications towers have gone up in villages like Epinga and Ehomba, funded through the Universal Service Fund. For residents, this has meant the arrival of reliable voice and data services for the first time, opening doors to better schooling, healthcare access, and local business opportunities.

At the same time, CRAN is preparing the country for the next generation of networks. Plans are underway to transition from older 2G and 3G systems to more efficient 4G and 5G technologies. This shift is not just about faster speeds, it’s about ensuring that Namibia’s infrastructure can support modern digital services and give citizens the tools to participate fully in the digital economy.

The regulator has also invested in community empowerment. At the Khomasdal Rossing and Otjomuise libraries, CRAN donated computers and provided free internet access, enabling thousands of people to study, conduct research, and apply for jobs online. For many students and job seekers, these libraries have become gateways to opportunity, with high‑speed internet transforming how they learn and connect with employers.

CRAN has also been strengthening Namibia’s resilience in the digital space. Through its national Computer Security Incident Response Team (NAM‑CSIRT), the regulator hosted training on DNS resilience — essentially teaching stakeholders how to protect the “address book” of the internet from cyberattacks and disruptions. This kind of capacity building ensures that as Namibia expands its networks, it also safeguards them against threats.

Mauritius: 

Mauritius has often been perceived as a digital leader in the Indian Ocean, and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) has been steering this transformation with a mix of innovation and regulation. In recent months, ICTA authorised the use of non‑geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) broadband services, requiring providers to operate through locally licensed ISPs (Internet Service Providers). This decision reflects a careful balance: opening the door to new technologies while ensuring orderly market entry and benefits for local players. It is a move that expands connectivity options, particularly for remote communities, while maintaining a strong regulatory framework.

ICTA has also opened the 700 MHz frequency band for testing and operation of IMT networks, including 5G. This step signals the country’s readiness to embrace next‑generation connectivity and ensure spectrum is used efficiently. For citizens, it means faster, more reliable services and the potential for new digital applications that can drive economic growth.

The regulator’s decisions are felt directly in everyday life. In the Agalega Islands, a remote dependency of Mauritius, ICTA has supported projects under the Universal Service Fund to enhance internet connectivity. For residents there, improved access means better communication with the mainland, opportunities for online learning, and access to essential services that were previously out of reach. Another regulatory change in Mauritius is the revocation of SIM registration rules that required identity documentation. This has reshaped how mobile users interact with their services, making access simpler and more flexible.

Sierra Leone: 

Sierra Leone’s regulator, NatCA, has been weaving regional cooperation and consumer protection into its digital transformation story. One of the most significant developments has been the cross‑border agreement with Guinea to introduce free mobile roaming. For traders, students, and families living near the border, this has meant using their home SIM cards without extra charges, reducing costs and making communication seamless across two countries. 

NatCA has also been working to strengthen connectivity between Sierra Leone and Guinea through a memorandum of understanding on internet interconnection. By linking networks across borders, the regulator is ensuring faster, more reliable services and laying the groundwork for a more connected West Africa.

Additionally, NatCA has also been active in consumer education. Public awareness campaigns have reached citizens through radio, television, newspapers, and social media, focusing on phishing prevention, safe mobile money practices, and data privacy. These efforts are particularly targeted at youth and rural communities, helping them build resilience against cyber threats and strengthening trust in digital services.

The regulator’s presence is felt beyond technical reforms. During Ramadan and Lent, NatCA donated food to religious institutions in Freetown and surrounding communities, demonstrating that its role extends to social support and community engagement. At the same time, Sierra Leone’s voice has been heard regionally, with NatCA’s Director‑General, Mr Amara Brewah, participating in the Smart Africa Council of Regulators, reinforcing the country’s place in continental ICT dialogue.

Zimbabwe:

Zimbabwe’s regulator, POTRAZ, has been shaping the country’s digital landscape by placing cybersecurity and accountability at the centre of its agenda. In recent months, it has called out organisations that continue to process personal data without the required licences under the Cyber and Data Protection Act. By insisting on compliance, POTRAZ is reinforcing trust in the digital ecosystem and ensuring that citizens’ information is handled in a lawful manner. This push for accountability is complemented by awareness‑raising initiatives, such as the Annual Data Privacy Symposium, which brings together stakeholders to discuss privacy as the foundation for innovation and trust in a digital economy.

At the same time, Zimbabwe has been investing in people and communities. Through its ICT Scholarship programme, students across the country are gaining opportunities to advance their education in technology and build the skills needed for the future workforce. In rural areas, more than 200 community information centres have been established, bringing internet access and government services closer to citizens, including the elderly and underserved populations. For many, these centres have become vital spaces for learning, communication, and participation in the digital economy.

POTRAZ has also positioned Zimbabwe within global and regional conversations. By participating in forums such as WSIS+20 and AI for Good, the regulator has engaged with international peers on issues ranging from ethical AI to inclusive infrastructure. Hosting regional workshops on emergency telecommunications and early warning systems further demonstrates Zimbabwe’s role in building resilience across Southern Africa.

Tanzania: 

TCRA, has been driving digital inclusion with a strong focus on safety, accessibility, and empowerment. One of its most visible initiatives has been the launch of a nationwide short-code service, 15040, that allows citizens to report suspicious messages and verify unknown phone numbers. For millions of mobile money users, this simple tool has become a shield against fraud, giving them confidence to engage in digital services without fear of being exploited.

TCRA has also taken a creative approach to tackling misinformation. Through the “FUTA DELETE KABISA” campaign, launched during the International Week of the Deaf, citizens were educated on how to identify and avoid false information online. Importantly, the campaign included sign language interpretation, ensuring that members of the deaf community could fully participate. This emphasis on inclusivity shows how regulation can empower even the most marginalised groups to engage safely in the digital space.

The regulator’s commitment to empowerment extends to young women. In collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and IT, UCSAF, and the ICT Commission, TCRA organised practical ICT training for girls with special needs from secondary schools in Dodoma. These sessions equipped them with STEM and digital skills, inspiring them to pursue careers in technology and equipping them to design solutions to social challenges in their communities.

Regionally, Tanzania has positioned itself as a leader by hosting the ITU Subregional Workshop in Dar es Salaam, bringing together experts from across Africa to discuss universal and meaningful connectivity. TCRA has also been reviewing the postal sector’s legal framework to align with sustainability goals and support e‑commerce, while backing local innovators in global competitions like the G20 Digital Innovation Challenge.

Highlights: A three‑week collaboration

The eighth iPRIS cohort will take part in an intensive three‑week peer-learning in Stockholm, designed to blend expert‑led sessions, collaborative project work, and immersive field visits. The schedule connects theory with practice, ensuring that regulators refine their change initiatives by learning from European peers and from one another.

The discussions will revolve around these components:

• Joint European Offer (JEO) sessions led by experts from the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) and partners, covering topics such as institutional and legal frameworks, secure communications, numbering and addressing, spectrum management, end‑user protection, broadband deployment and mapping, competition regulation, and new regulatory issues.
• Project management and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) workshops facilitated by SPIDER, strengthening participants’ ability to design, monitor, and implement their Change Initiatives.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sessions led by SPIDER.
• Strategic Foresight sessions led by PTS.
• Field visits to leading institutions and industry players, including PTS headquarters, Stockholm University, Ericsson, Telia, and Ernst & Young. These visits will showcase models of innovation, governance, and private‑sector collaboration.
• Collaborative exchanges with Regional Regulatory Organisations (RROs), who will present their projects and share lessons from regional cooperation frameworks.
• Networking and cultural events, including a visit to The Royal Palace, a networking dinner, and an Easter dinner at the hotel, to foster cooperation and build lasting professional relationships.

Throughout the period, each NRA will continue to improve its Change Initiative, a national reform plan aimed at strengthening institutional performance and making the regulatory environment sustainable and inclusive.

Read about the iPRIS seventh cohort sessions in Sweden here 

This European phase marks only the beginning of the journey. The regulators will reconvene later this year at the Africa round, where they will share lessons learned, assess progress on their Change Initiatives, and continue building momentum for inclusive digital transformation. By returning to the continent, the programme ensures that the knowledge gained in Stockholm is translated into action at home, reinforcing the commitment to bridge the digital divide and advance Africa’s digital future together.

iPRIS is coordinated and implemented by SPIDER in strategic and technical partnership with the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) and Institut luxembourgeois de régulation (ILR), as well as ARTAC, CRASA, EACO, and WATRA.

iPRIS is funded by the European Union, Sweden, and Luxembourg as part of the Team Europe Initiative “D4D for Digital Economy and Society in Sub-Saharan Africa” (Code: 001).