Enhancing digital connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa to drive social and economic prosperity

About iPRIS

ICT Policy & Regulation – Institutional Strengthening (iPRIS) contributes to bridging the digital divide by boosting the capacities of African telecommunications regulatory bodies. Engaging 43 countries in Africa, iPRIS aims to enhance inclusive digital connectivity and drive social and economic prosperity using ICT.

iPRIS provides peer-to-peer capacity-building for African National Regulatory Authorities and Regional Regulatory Organisations. It stems from the recognition of the significance of ICT policies and regulation in promoting digital inclusion, equitable access to the Internet, consumer rights protection, and personal data safeguarding.

Building on the success of the ICT Regulation Policy and Practice program run between 2016 and 2022 by SPIDER and the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority, iPRIS marks a strategic leap forward. It focuses on empowering telecom regulators across Sub-Saharan Africa, boosting their capacity to shape and implement regulatory frameworks in the telecommunications sector.

Mission, vision, and purpose

Mission  
IPRIS is committed to shaping a connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered future. The iPRIS project aligns with global efforts to bridge the digital divide, emphasising the crucial role of robust regulatory frameworks in propelling the region into the digital age.

Vision
A connected Africa where everyone enjoys social, economic and environmental prosperity.

Purpose
Bridging the digital divide by enhancing digital connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa, and by creating opportunities for knowledge exchange amongst African countries, and between the EU and Africa. Collaboration is the key to catalysing inclusive access and to propel digital opportunities in order to achieve prosperity and sustainability.

Funding

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).

 

Partners

The iPRIS project is implemented by SPIDER (the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions ), The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), and the Luxembourg Regulatory Institute (ILR).

SPIDER coordinates the project and offers its expertise in the digital international development sector and in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

PTS is regulation content and policy lead for the project. ILR brings its expertise in European regulation and policy for the French speaking countries.

To learn more about the partners click here.

Change Initiatives, NRAs and RROs

“Change Initiatives” are strategic projects undertaken to bridge the digital divide by addressing challenges and opportunities within the ICT sector. They are the corner-stone of iPRIS and are specifically designed to align with the strategic agendas of regulatory bodies.  The change initiatives focus on policy development and implementation linked to key issues within the ICT sector, such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory inefficiencies, or digital inclusion barriers

National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), also called telecom regulators, are official bodies appointed by governments to represent and advocate for the interests and rights of consumers in the digital marketplace. In the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, NRAs develop and enforce policies and regulations that protect consumers, promote fair competition, and encourage innovation.

Regional Regulatory Organisations (RROs) play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, coordination standardisation, and regulatory convergence among member states. This allows them to address common challenges and promote harmonisation of regulations among member countries, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping the regulatory environment and fostering industry growth within their regions.

Participating Countries

Key

English-Speaking Countries

Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, The Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe

French-Speaking Countries

Benin, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comores, Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Niger, Rep. of Congo, Chad, Senegal, Togo

Portuguese-Speaking Countries

Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Sao Tome & Principe, Equatorial Guinea

Objectives

Unlock untapped development potential in Sub-Saharan Africa

Improve the quality of ICT services

Leverage digital technologies to drive overall development

Enhance connectivity and digital inclusion

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Contacts

Borgarfjordsgatan 12, Kista, SWEDEN
Postal Address: Stockholm University, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences/DSV, SPIDER, P.O Box 1073, SE-164 25 Kista, Sweden

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"iPRIS is a project supported as part of the Team Europe initiative "D4D for the digital economy and society in sub-Saharan Africa" ​​(Code: 001). The project is made possible thanks to co-financing from the EU, Sweden and Luxembourg. The content of this website is the sole responsibility of the implementing partners and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, Sweden or Luxembourg"

"iPRIS is a project supported as part of the Team Europe initiative "D4D for the digital economy and society in sub-Saharan Africa" ​​(Code: 001). The project is made possible thanks to co-financing from the EU, Sweden and Luxembourg. The content of this website is the sole responsibility of the implementing partners and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, Sweden or Luxembourg"

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