The iPRIS project will once again convene its eighth cohort this time in Nairobi Kenya, from 5th to 9th October 2026. Over five days, National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and Regional Regulatory Organisations (RROs) will gather to advance ongoing Change Initiatives (CIs) and deepen collaboration on some of the most pressing challenges shaping Africa’s digital future. The five‑day Nairobi session will bring together telecom experts from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA Liberia), Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Mauritius (ICTA), National Telecommunications Commission of Sierra Leone (NATCOM), Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), and the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) to advance Change Initiatives (CIs) from policy concepts to practical regulatory action. They will be joined by implementing partners, SPIDER and the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), representatives of the European Union, and regional regulatory organizations, including the Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), the East African Communications Organisation (EACO), and the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA).
The Nairobi phase will build directly on the outcomes of the previous convening in Stockholm in April 2026, where the 8th cohort experts discussed policy foresight and collaborative approaches. Lessons gained from the discussions will be adapted to African realities, ensuring that strategies are not only globally informed but also regionally relevant. Over the course of the week, participants will focus on translating these insights into practical regulatory action, strengthening institutional capacity, and advancing Change Initiatives that respond to Africa’s digital priorities.
Read more about the Stockholm round here.
Watch highlights from Stockholm below
The 9th iPRIS cohort, which is Francophone, recently completed its first meeting of the cycle in Luxembourg. In November, iPRIS will welcome its 10th cohort in Sweden, a remarkable milestone that will further expand the iPRIS network. As a growing community of regulatory experts, the regional collaboration is becoming increasingly evident. In 2026, Senegal, Benin, and Togo launched free roaming under the ECOWAS Regional Roaming Regulation, giving subscribers access to calls and data at local rates across borders. At the same time, Senegal and The Gambia advanced their bilateral roaming agreement to improve spectrum coordination and reduce interference, while the East African Community One Network Area continued to link Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan with roaming‑free calls. These milestones show how countries are working together to lower costs and strengthen integration across Sub‑Saharan Africa.
Regional organisations have reinforced this momentum. At the WATRA AGM in Lomé, regulators examined roaming models to balance affordability and sustainability, while the CRASA AGM in Lilongwe explored the new G5 regulation framework for building adaptive digital systems. The Nairobi phase will also coincide with the EACO Working Group 5 (Broadcasting & Spectrum) meeting hosted by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). In 2026, CA launched its Digital Skilling Project, investing KSh 100 million to train 120,000 Kenyans across 19 counties, equipping citizens with digital skills for education, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and access to services. Together, these initiatives highlight how regional collaboration is shaping national programmes that deliver tangible benefits to communities.
The programme will open with welcoming remarks and updates from the telecom experts on their Change Initiatives. Day 2 will cover foresight, inclusivity, project management, and MEAL. Day 3 will feature closed expert sessions to refine national strategies, while Day 4 will spotlight CA Kenya’s time in iPRIS, EACO Working Group 5, and a session on governing cybersecurity. The cybersecurity session will include discussions between the experts and Prof. Fredrik Blix, an associate professor and cybersecurity expert at Stockholm University. Prof. Blix will also hold a lecture and discussion at Strathmore University titled ‘From packets to the boardroom: How cybersecurity becomes a governance problem.'
The final day will conclude with way‑forward discussions as NRAs present their initiatives and outline next steps for implementation. Day 5 includes a session on how Kenya's telecom sector pioneered mobile money, just before the way-forward discussions. The session on the rise of M-Pesa will offer insights into how innovation and regulation can evolve together to expand digital access and financial inclusion.
The Nairobi phase as part of the iPRIS 8th Cohort Cycle is not an end but a continuation of the journey that began in Stockholm earlier this year. It represents the next step in translating shared insights into practical action. As participants build on their Change Initiatives and strengthen cross-regional collaboration, the momentum created here will carry forward into future engagements. Each phase deepens the collective effort, reinforcing that regulatory transformation is an ongoing process.
Read more about the previous 7th, 6th, and 5th cohort meetings in Africa
iPRIS is coordinated and implemented by SPIDER in strategic and technical partnership with the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), Institut luxembourgeois de régulation (ILR), Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações (ANACOM), 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).
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPT) of the Republic of Guinea, together with Arcep France, which will serve as interim chair of FRATEL in 2026, will host the 24th annual meeting of the Francophone Telecommunications Regulatory Network. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, through Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Conakry.
This year’s theme is: “What measures can be taken to support the deployment of digital infrastructure?”
Three roundtable discussions will form the basis of the proceedings. The first will focus on innovative public initiatives to ensure comprehensive fixed-line networks and improve mobile coverage. The second will examine measures to achieve the objectives set out in regional digital development plans. The third will explore the support available for the deployment of new digital infrastructure.
The event will actually begin on Wednesday, October 28. On that day, the ITU will host a workshop on its Global Economic Modeling and Simulation (GEMS) tool, which is dedicated to the deployment of digital infrastructure, subject to availability. On the same day, leaders from FRATEL member authorities will meet to discuss the role of various institutional actors in regional digital development.
On Saturday, October 31, an informal gathering of participants will bring the week to a close, allowing discussions to continue in a more relaxed setting.
For French-speaking regulators, many of whom participate in the iPRIS project, this meeting provides a valuable opportunity to share concrete experiences on a key issue: ensuring that digital infrastructure truly reaches the population, including in the most underserved areas. In Guinea, as elsewhere in French-speaking Africa, the quality of regulation largely determines the speed and equity of deployment.
Practical information and the detailed agenda will be released shortly by FRATEL.
Africa's digital economy continues to gather momentum. Mobile technologies and services contributed an estimated USD 240 billion to the continent's economy in 2025 and are projected to reach USD 290 billion by 2030. While this growth reflects significant progress in expanding digital infrastructure, the next phase of Africa's digital transformation will depend on ensuring that more people are able to use, trust and benefit from digital services.
These issues were explored in a recent CNBC Africa interview with Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, Executive Secretary of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA). Building on conversations from the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva, Mr Aboki shared why stronger ICT policy, smarter regulation and regional cooperation will be critical to attracting investment, strengthening digital resilience and creating more inclusive digital economies across Africa.
Despite major investments in digital infrastructure, millions of Africans remain disconnected from the opportunities the digital economy offers.
Closing this usage gap, he noted, will require more than network expansion. It will depend on creating the right policy environment, building digital skills, strengthening trust in digital services and encouraging collaboration among governments, regulators, the private sector and development partners.
For Mr Aboki, regulation is not simply about compliance. It is about creating the certainty that encourages investment and allows digital markets to grow.
Using a simple analogy, he described his role as helping regulators learn from one another rather than solving the same challenges independently.
"I spend time encouraging regulators to copy the best regulatory ideas as fast as possible,"
When countries share successful approaches and work towards greater regulatory consistency, investors gain more predictable operating environments, making it easier to invest across borders while improving affordability and accelerating digital connectivity. This collaborative approach is also reflected in iPRIS, which enables telecom regulators across Africa to undertake peer learning and regional cooperation.
The conversation also reflected on the widespread disruption caused by submarine cable outages in West Africa, which affected businesses, financial services and digital communications across several countries. For Mr Aboki, the experience highlighted the importance of strengthening infrastructure resilience through greater regional cooperation. Improving infrastructure diversity, strengthening coordination between governments and industry and reducing repair times will all play an important role in protecting the digital services that people and businesses increasingly rely on.
As more public services, banking and commerce move online, resilient digital infrastructure has become essential for economic stability, investor confidence and cross-border digital trade.
The interview reinforced a message that resonated throughout the WSIS Forum 2026: expanding connectivity is only one part of Africa's digital transformation journey. Equally important are the policies, institutions and partnerships that create trusted digital markets and enable more people to participate in the digital economy. As these partnerships continue to grow, they are helping create an environment where innovation, investment and digital inclusion can advance together.
Mr Aboki remains optimistic about Africa's digital future.
Watch the full CNBC Africa interview here: WATRA: Closing internet usage gap next digital opportunity for Africa | CNBC Africa
iPRIS is coordinated and implemented by SPIDER in strategic and technical partnership with the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), Institut luxembourgeois de régulation (ILR), Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações (ANACOM), 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).
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum is recognised as the foremost global event dedicated to shaping the future of digital development. It is convened annually by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with UNESCO, UNDP, and other United Nations agencies. The 2026 edition took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6 to 10 July 2026. The Forum brought together policymakers, regulators, academics, civil society representatives, and private-sector leaders to deliberate on strategies and partnerships to advance inclusive digital transformation. Its goal is to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange so that digital technologies become powerful instruments for sustainable development across all regions of the world. According to the ITU (2023), nearly 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline, underscoring the urgency of initiatives to expand meaningful connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
Within this global conversation, SPIDER (Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions) hosted a WSIS session on 8 July 2026 titled “Enabling Inclusive Digital Development: Regulatory Capacity-Building through Multilingual Peer-to-Peer Learning between the EU and Sub-Saharan Africa.”The session focused on how telecom regulation plays a critical role in promoting sectors such as education, the economy, and healthcare, using iPRIS as a case study. What emerged was a deep exploration of how regulation, cooperation, and accessibility form the backbone of meaningful digital transformation. The panel was moderated by Aliyu Aboki, who guided the conversation with precision and insight. The speakers included Edna Soomre from SPIDER, Katarina Schyberg from the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), Tantely Jeans from Luxembourg’s ILR, and Manuel Cabugueira from Portugal’s ANACOM. Each brought a distinct perspective shaped by their regulatory experience and regional context.
The discussion began with the recognition that regulation is not merely a technical framework but a social instrument that determines whether technology truly serves people.
She explained that SPIDER’s work through projects like iPRIS focuses on institutional strengthening, building trust, continuity, and resilience among regulators. She gave concrete examples of how iPRIS has helped regulators from sub-Saharan Africa collaborate across linguistic and regional boundaries. For instance, she described how regulators from Tanzania and Uganda worked together to harmonise guidelines for rural connectivity, ensuring underserved communities could access affordable, reliable networks. She also noted that iPRIS’ multilingual cycles in English, French, and Portuguese have allowed neighbouring countries that previously struggled to communicate effectively to now share regulatory frameworks and coordinate cross-border digital initiatives.
Katarina Schyberg expanded on the peer-to-peer learning model that defines iPRIS. She described how European and African regulators exchange experiences on shared challenges such as market competition, cybersecurity, and satellite communications.
Schyberg explained that during the six English-speaking cohorts conducted so far, regulators from nineteen English-speaking African countries have participated in intensive three-week knowledge-exchange sessions. Each delegate brings a national project (referred to as a Change Initiative) and refines it through collaboration with peers and experts from Africa and Europe. She cited examples of regulators from Kenya and Ghana who developed frameworks for consumer protection in digital services after learning from Sweden’s experience with transparent pricing and fair competition.
Aliyu Aboki underscored the importance of accessibility and language in ensuring effective collaboration.
His point resonated deeply with the multilingual nature of iPRIS, which bridges linguistic divides and fosters cooperation among English-, French-, and Portuguese-speaking regulators. Aboki highlighted that linguistic inclusion is not a symbolic gesture but a practical necessity, and without it, entire populations risk being excluded from digital progress.
Tantely Jeans of Luxembourg’s ILR brought a human dimension to the conversation, reminding the attendees that technology alone cannot guarantee progress.
She explained how ILR leverages European regulatory networks such as FRATEL and BEREC to connect African and European regulators. Jeans shared a compelling example of how Tanzanian and Gabonese regulators collaborated through iPRIS to coordinate the rollout of fibre infrastructure, ensuring orderly and efficient deployment. She also noted that, through the Francophone cycles, regulators from countries such as Senegal and Benin have worked with European counterparts to develop data governance frameworks that balance innovation with privacy protection.
Adding an economic perspective, Manuel Cabugueira of ANACOM reflected on how regulatory cooperation extends beyond learning and technology sharing.
He explained that ANACOM’s collaboration with Portuguese-speaking regulators through the ARCTEL network has shown how harmonised regulation can strengthen trade and economic ties across Africa. Cabugueira pointed to examples from Angola and Mozambique, where regulators have worked together to align telecommunications standards, enabling smoother cross-border data flows and more secure digital transactions. He also emphasised that cooperation among Lusophone countries, from Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde to São Tomé and Príncipe, lays the foundation for building digital infrastructure that supports data centres, edge computing, and secure digital commerce.
Throughout the session, the panellists returned to a central theme: that Africa’s digital transformation must be built not only on infrastructure but on strong institutions capable of adapting to emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, satellite services, and digital identity.
The session’s richness was amplified by contributions from delegates who had participated in earlier iPRIS cohorts. Winnie Mukholi, representing the Uganda Communications Commission, spoke about her experience in the fifth iPRIS cycle. She explained that one of the most valuable aspects was the chance to interact not only with European regulators but also with peers from across Africa. By engaging with colleagues from Tanzania, West Africa, and Southern Africa, she discovered that many regulatory challenges are shared across the continent. Winnie emphasised that this regional exchange allowed her to benchmark solutions directly with neighbouring countries, making regulatory initiatives more practical and responsive. She noted that iPRIS provided guidance to ensure that change initiatives begun during the project were carried through to completion, rather than left unfinished, which is a critical factor in building institutional credibility.
Adding to this, Mbongeni Bafana Mtshali from the Kingdom of Eswatini highlighted the importance of peer education in finding African solutions to African challenges. He explained that while European expertise, such as that shared by PTS, is invaluable, the opportunity to learn from fellow African regulators is equally vital. He described how visits to institutions like Ericsson opened his eyes to the scale of investment and research shaping global telecommunications, and how participation in international forums such as WSIS helps African regulators influence the global digital landscape. Mbongeni urged more member states to join iPRIS, stressing that the project not only strengthens regulatory capacity but also builds a community that can collectively shape Africa’s digital future.
To conclude the session, a significant milestone was marked with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SPIDER and ANACOM. The agreement formalised a strategic partnership to deepen collaboration with Lusophone countries across Africa, including Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The MoU represents a commitment to advance regulatory capacity-building and digital cooperation within Portuguese-speaking nations, aligning with iPRIS’s multilingual approach to inclusive digital development.
This WSIS Forum 2026 session demonstrated that meaningful connectivity is not just about connecting people to networks; it is about connecting them to opportunity. The discussions made clear that investment in infrastructure must be matched by investment in institutions. Digital transformation succeeds when it is inclusive, collaborative, and guided by trust and equity. Through initiatives like iPRIS, regulators across Africa and Europe are building the foundations of a digital future that is not only connected but truly inclusive.
Watch the video below to gain more insights on why telecom regulation plays a critical role in society:
iPRIS is coordinated and implemented by SPIDER in strategic and technical partnership with the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), Institut luxembourgeois de régulation (ILR), Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações (ANACOM), 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).
On 26th June 2026, a Digital for Development (D4D) convening, dubbed ‘Info session on the Team Europe Guide for Human-Centric Digital Cooperation under Global Gateway’, brought together policymakers, civil society leaders, and practitioners. The session featured contributions from Brigitte Lugin (European Commission), Uwimama, Yasia De Lausnay (Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Annriette Esterhuysen (Civil Society), and Cristina de Lorenzo, each offering perspectives on embedding rights, inclusivity, and sustainability into Europe’s digital cooperation agenda.
The guide itself is the product of co-creation between EU institutions, member states, civil society, academia, and the private sector. It provides methods, safeguards, and case studies to help practitioners ensure that digital transformation serves people first. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by global trends. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates that by 2025, more than 5.4 billion people were online, yet millions remain excluded due to affordability, skills gaps, and gender divides. The guide responds to this challenge by offering practical tools to ensure that digital transformation is not only about connectivity but about inclusion, trust, and sustainability.
In her opening remarks, Brigitte Lugin emphasised that the guide is designed to keep citizens at the heart of digital transformation:
Her comments connected the guide to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which goes beyond infrastructure to secure sustainable, rights-based digital ecosystems. This framing made it clear that Europe’s digital cooperation is not just about technology but about safeguarding sovereignty and ensuring that the transformation benefits communities. Uwimama reinforced this operational focus, explaining that the guide is intended to move beyond rhetorical operations.
“This is about making the vision practical, ensuring that human-centric principles land on the ground and are applied across all investments.”
He pointed to the importance of equipping practitioners with concrete tools to embed safeguards into project design and implementation.
The meeting highlighted how the guide translates principles into practice. Sabine, one of its authors, described how provisions such as access to Copernicus Earth observation data can support climate goals but must be paired with safeguards like sustainability checks and gender-sensitive applications. She also highlighted subsea cable projects such as Medusa and Ellalink, where dedicated access capacity is reserved for research institutions, a design choice that embeds human-centricity at the infrastructure level.
Another example came from Central Asia, where satellite connectivity investments were complemented by Team Europe initiatives that provided gender support, skills training, and capacity building. This demonstrated how technology investments can be balanced with social inclusion measures.
Representing Belgium, Yasia De Lausnay cautioned against treating values as optional:
“The moment we treat human rights, transparency, and inclusion as add-ins rather than built-in features, we lose our distinction from other actors.”
Her remarks underscored Europe’s credibility in digital cooperation, which depends on consistently embedding rights and inclusivity, even as investment and private-sector mobilisation accelerate.
Civil society voices reinforced this concern. Annriette Esterhuysen reminded participants:
“A human-rights approach to digital development places individuals at the centre of technological change, embedding principles such as equality, non-discrimination, accessibility, transparency, accountability and privacy throughout the design and governance of digital systems.”
Her intervention highlighted the risks of neglecting these safeguards, which could lead to exclusion, discrimination, or weakened trust in digital governance.
From the civil society perspective, Cristina de Lorenzo emphasised that human-centric cooperation goes beyond usability: 
Her remarks tied the discussions back to the need for a common framework that can guide both European and Global South actors in implementing digital transformation responsibly. She also stressed that applying the guide consistently would strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships and ensure that digital projects deliver real impact on the ground.
The session ultimately underscored a shared commitment: to make digital transformation genuinely human-centric, not just a slogan but a measurable practice. The Team Europe Guide was presented as a living tool that can help governments, development agencies, and civil society translate values into action. Its examples from Earth observation to AI innovation show how rights, sustainability, and inclusion can be embedded at every stage of digital cooperation.
This vision aligns closely with the work of iPRIS, which strengthens regulatory capacity across Africa through peer learning, collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking. Where the Team Europe Guide provides the framework, iPRIS delivers by equipping National Regulatory Authorities to apply human-centric principles in real-world contexts.
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).
This year’s World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum will take place from 6 to 10th July 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, regulators, civil society organisations, private sector representatives, academics, and development partners to explore how digital technologies can advance sustainable development and foster inclusive digital transformation worldwide.
As part of the WSIS Forum 2026 agenda, the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER) will host a session on Wednesday 8th July 2026. The discussions will focus on advancing digital transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa by strengthening regulatory capacity and inclusive frameworks and initiatives. The session will be held under the theme: Enabling Inclusive Digital Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Regulatory Capacity-Building through Multilingual Peer-to-Peer Learning. The panel discussion will feature five delegates from the implementing partners and stakeholders of the iPRIS project. The discussions will be moderated by Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, Executive Secretary of WATRA, who will also outline the digital transformation agenda from an African regional perspective.
Edna Soomre, project lead of the iPRIS project at SPIDER, will open the discussion with a presentation on human-centred digital transformation, examining how initiatives that consider intersectionality in the digital space can help ensure that digital technologies contribute meaningfully to social and economic development. Katarina Schyberg, iPRIS project manager at the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), will discuss the value of the European Union-Africa regulatory exchange and peer learning. Her discussions will highlight how cross-border collaboration strengthens regulatory capacity and supports digital transformation efforts.
Tantely Jeans, an iPRIS Project Manager at the Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation (ILR), will explore the role of multilingual capacity-building in advancing Francophone regulatory cooperation and facilitating knowledge exchange among telecom regulators. Manuel Cabugueira, a Board Member at the National Communications Authority (ANACOM), will present the upcoming iPRIS Lusophone cohort to expand regulatory collaboration and peer-learning opportunities across Lusophone Africa. Finally, Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, executive secretary of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), will share insights into WATRA's efforts to strengthen regional regulatory cooperation and promote harmonised approaches to digital development across West Africa.
Through these discussions, the session will demonstrate how multilingual peer-to-peer learning, regional cooperation, and inclusive regulatory frameworks can help accelerate Africa’s digital transformation agenda while ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
Register online to follow the sessions live: https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2026/Agenda/Session/158
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).
Africa's digital transformation is accelerating, driven by growing investments in connectivity, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Across East, West, South, and Central Africa, ICT and telecommunications experts are working to expand access to meaningful connectivity and ensure that digital opportunities contribute to inclusive economic and social development. In the digital transformation journey, telecom regulators play an increasingly important role in creating an enabling environment that supports innovation, promotes fair competition, protects consumers, and encourages sustainable investment.
Building on this, the fifth iPRIS cohort brought together telecom experts from six countries across the four regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Regional Regulatory Authorities (RROs), implementing partners, including the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) and the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), and European partners. The cohort included NRAs from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), the Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), and the National Communications Authority (NatCA). Through the programme, participants developed and implemented Change Initiatives (CIs) designed to address regulatory challenges, strengthen institutional capacity, and contribute to Africa's broader digital transformation agenda.
On 4th May 2025, the fifth iPRIS cohort commenced its year-long journey of knowledge exchange, capacity building, and regional collaboration. The project provided a platform for technical training, peer-to-peer learning, and practical implementation.
The first phase of the 5th cohort journey officially commenced in Stockholm, Sweden, where regulatory experts gathered for intensive knowledge exchange and capacity building. For two and a half weeks, delegates engaged in discussions, peer-to-peer learning, and technical sessions to strengthen their regulatory capacity.
Over the two and a half weeks, delegates were introduced to various approaches, frameworks, and methodologies to advance and ensure the meaningful implementation of their Change Initiatives. These included Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) approaches, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), and project management methodologies facilitated by SPIDER digital development experts. Together, these frameworks played a critical role in equipping regulators with the tools needed to design, implement, and assess regulatory interventions effectively and inclusively.
PTS played an important role in strengthening the 5th cohort's iPRIS journey by providing, through technical sessions, exposure to key areas shaping the telecommunications landscape. These included numbering and addressing systems, spectrum management, broadband mapping, network deployment strategies, and secure communications infrastructure. Through these sessions, both African and European telecom experts shared experiences, discussed common regulatory challenges, and explored practical solutions from different regulatory contexts. The sessions reinforced the value of cross-regional collaboration and demonstrated how diverse perspectives can contribute to more effective and forward-looking regulatory approaches.
Regional Regulatory Organisations also played a central role throughout the programme. Representatives from the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), the Communications Regulators' Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), and the East African Communications Organisation (EACO) contributed valuable regional perspectives and insights. These institutions provided a broader regional lens through which delegates could situate their Change Initiatives, aligning them with ongoing harmonisation efforts across Africa. Through dialogue and structured engagement, the NRAs gained insights into shared regulatory priorities, cross-border challenges, and opportunities for coordinated action.
Following the first cycle, participants returned to their respective countries with refined project plans, strengthened technical expertise, and renewed confidence in their ability to drive meaningful change.
Four months later, the cohort reconvened in Botswana for an African follow-up phase, hosted by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA). The session focused on reviewing progress, presenting early results, and exchanging implementation experiences. The discussions created a valuable platform for peer learning. Regulators compared experiences across countries, identified common obstacles, and exchanged practical solutions informed by real-world implementation.
With support from SPIDER, PTS, and representatives from WATRA, CRASA, and EACO, delegates revisited their project plans and refined them to ensure they remained practical, inclusive, and impactful. The Botswana phase reinforced the importance of continuous learning and of ensuring that the projects' impact is inclusive and drives meaningful change across communities.
The cohort returned once again to implementation, applying revised strategies and consolidating progress within their institutions.
Read more about the 5th cohort Africa follow-up phase in Botswana, here
On 11th June 2026, the fifth iPRIS cohort convened for the final time in an online wrap-up session, marking the end of their year-long journey. Unlike previous meetings, this session was not focused on redesign or adjustment, but rather on consolidation and recognition of outcomes. The delegates presented the final results of their change Initiatives, showcasing how initial project ideas had evolved into fully implemented interventions with measurable impact.
The presentations covered diverse telecom sectors across participating countries. Some Change Initiatives focused on improving infrastructure deployment processes to accelerate the rollout of connectivity, while others addressed spectrum planning and optimisation to enhance the efficient use of national resources. Others strengthened consumer protection frameworks, improved market transparency, and advanced the use of evidence-based decision-making within regulatory institutions. Collectively, these initiatives demonstrated the practical value of targeted capacity-building in strengthening telecommunications governance.
The final session was concluded by Edna Soomre from SPIDER, who delivered a reflective message to the cohort, acknowledging their commitment and achievements throughout the programme.
As the fifth iPRIS cohort concludes its cycle, its legacy is reflected in strengthened regulatory institutions, enhanced technical capacity, and deeper regional cooperation among telecom regulators. While the formal programme has ended, the networks formed, the knowledge gained, and the Change Initiatives implemented continue to shape regulatory practice across participating countries. The fifth iPRIS cohort emphasised the importance of structured collaboration and capacity-building in navigating the complexities of an evolving digital landscape and contributing meaningfully to Africa’s digital transformation.
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).
From 12th to 15th of May, the government of Türkiye held the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-26) at the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) Headquarters in Ankara, Türkiye. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) hosts an annual global knowledge exchange, bringing together around 1035 participants and 15 Regional Regulatory Associations. This year’s sessions focused on the theme “Navigating the Digital Frontier.” The summit was chaired by Mr. Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, President of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).
Ms Doreen Boggan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, said, “When GSR met for the first time in 2000, fewer than half of the ITU member states had a regulatory body. Today, 166 of our 194 member states have a regulator; that's what a quarter of a century of cooperation looks like.” It shows our commitment and forward-looking approach. This implies the impeccable growth of GSR member states, made possible through collective commitment and collaboration among them.
This symposium brings together the entire digital ecosystem to build a resilient and inclusive future, signalling a fundamental shift in our role from merely reacting to technological disruption to proactively designing pathways to resilience and inclusion. Today, we navigate an unprecedented moment of technological advancement, driven heavily by artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and the Internet of Things. The pace of adoption is staggering.
We are navigating an unprecedented pace of technological advancement, driven heavily by artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and the Internet of Things. Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) at the International Telecommunication Union, Dr Cosmas Luckyson ZAVAZAVA, reflected that, “Leading generative AI applications reached 100 million users in just two months, marking the fastest technology adoption in history and bringing immense economic potential. Furthermore, broad industry estimates suggest AI could contribute $4.8 trillion to the global economy. Importantly, the backbone of AI is cloud infrastructure, and this is expanding by over 30% every year.” He further stated, “However, nearly one third of the global population is still offline, 2.2 billion people, which means we must act now to ensure the digital divide doesn't transform itself into an even greater AI divide.”
There is a need for real-time trusted information sharing on emerging risks from deepfake-driven fraud to algorithmic bias. We cannot navigate without data, nor can we bridge the digital divide without sustainable investment.
The GSR-26 chair, Mr. Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, President of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority, Turkey, shared that the GSR-26 Best Practice Guidelines have been adopted, a report of shared insights from regulators, policymakers, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders committed to making digital markets work in the public interest. This guideline outlines the essentials of regulatory governance for a fast-changing digital environment. These guidelines from GSR-26 provide a shared reference point for building regulatory institutions that can respond to technological change while keeping people, public interest and sustainable development at the centre.
Dr Cosmas Luckyson ZAVAZAVA also stated that, with this perspective in mind, navigation requires three things.
These guidelines reflect a collective experience, shared priorities, and common determination to develop more agile, inclusive, and forward-looking regulatory approaches for the digital age. The GSR-26 best practice guidelines will provide meaningful guidance to regulators and policymakers worldwide as we continue to navigate increasingly complex digital ecosystems together and adopt a collaborative, future-oriented approach.
Connectivity, innovation and digital opportunities should benefit all segments of society and contribute to economic and social development. Ömer Fatih Sayan, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, while further expounding on the need for digital transformation as a priority, said, “We continue our preparation for next generation technologies such as 5G, 6G, AI satellite technologies and advanced digital infrastructure.”
Mr. Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, Chairman of the Board and President of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) of the Republic of Türkiye, said, “Digital Transformation is no longer a matter concerning a single institution alone, It is a shared global agenda that requires continued dialogue and cooperation among governments, regulators the private sector, international organizations, academia and civil society.” he added, “Now that technology evolves over months, there is an urgent need to close the speed gap. Here is our shared task as GSR-26. We are here not to stop the frontier; we are here to navigate it well."
The role of regulators extends far beyond traditional oversight. Regulators are now expected to create environments that support innovation and promote trust and stability. They must also encourage sustainable investment, strengthen resilience, and safeguard citizens' interests. This is essential in an increasingly complex digital landscape, one that demands technical capability, adaptability, collaboration, and a future-oriented mindset.
All discussions held during GSR 26, along with the best-practice guidelines from these processes, will contribute meaningfully to future international cooperation. They will also inform more forward-looking approaches to digital regulation worldwide. The dialogue, partnerships, and ideas developed here in Ankara will continue well beyond this symposium. They will help build a more inclusive, resilient, secure, and human-centred digital future for all.
Closing connectivity and usage gaps for meaningful digital participation
Collectively, discussions at GSR-26 reinforced that achieving meaningful digital transformation goes far beyond expanding connectivity. Delegates highlighted the urgent need to close persistent usage gaps through affordable access, digital literacy, relevant services, and inclusive infrastructure that enables full participation in the digital economy. The conversations also recognised that connectivity challenges differ across regions and communities, particularly in rural areas, making localised and context-specific approaches essential for sustainable progress.
The summit further reaffirmed the growing importance of resilience, digital sovereignty, and secure infrastructure in shaping future digital ecosystems. As technologies continue to evolve rapidly, participants stressed the value of evidence-based policymaking, inclusive and gender-responsive strategies, and stronger international cooperation in advancing Universal and Meaningful Connectivity (UMC). Ultimately, GSR-26 underscored that navigating the digital frontier will require collective action, shared responsibility, and continued collaboration among governments, regulators, industry, and global stakeholders to build a more inclusive, secure, and resilient digital future for all.
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).
Regional regulatory cooperation remains a cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation agenda. The 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), held in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 16 to 17 April 2026, brought together national regulatory authorities (NRAs), regional bodies, and partners to reflect on progress, address governance challenges, and explore the future of digital regulation across Southern Africa.
The AGM was preceded by a forward-looking summit focused on “G5 regulation”, a framework aimed at advancing next-generation, digitally responsive regulatory systems. Discussions emphasised the need for regulators to transition towards more adaptive, future-oriented models capable of supporting evolving digital ecosystems.
However, a key insight emerging from the discussions was the gap between current regulatory maturity and future ambitions. While the G5 framework points towards advanced digital regulation, many participating countries are still operating at earlier stages of regulatory development. This highlights a critical need for bridging strategies to ensure that regulatory evolution is both realistic and inclusive.
The AGM also provided a platform to strengthen collaboration between CRASA and other regional initiatives, including iPRIS. Engagements during the meeting highlighted growing interest in better coordination of capacity-building efforts and regulatory development programmes across regions.
Notably, participation from iPRIS stakeholders and alumni demonstrated the programme’s increasing relevance within regional regulatory spaces. Alumni are beginning to take on more prominent roles within their institutions, contributing to discussions and shaping regulatory priorities at both national and regional levels.
Across multiple sessions, a recurring theme emerged: the need to translate dialogue into actionable outcomes. While the AGM facilitated rich discussions on policy, strategy, and cooperation, participants emphasised the importance of moving beyond conversations towards implementation.
This includes:
The CRASA 15th AGM reaffirmed the importance of regional platforms in shaping Africa’s digital future. It highlighted both progress and persistent challenges, from advancing regulatory frameworks to strengthening institutional governance.
For iPRIS and its partners, the AGM reinforces a clear direction:
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).
Namibia has taken a decisive step towards strengthening its national cybersecurity posture with the launch of its National Cybersecurity Incident Management Guidelines (2026), a milestone that reflects both national urgency and the tangible impact of African regulatory collaboration under iPRIS.
This achievement traces back to the fourth iPRIS cohort, where Namibia’s delegation identified critical cybersecurity gaps and committed to addressing them through a Change Initiative that has now moved from concept to implementation. This fourth cohort was an all-female delegation, consisting of Ella-Betty Chapoto, Mirjam Mungungu, Magano Katoole, and Charley Cloete.
Read more about the fourth cohort’s discussions after their full iPRIS cycle here
During their first engagement in Sweden, the Namibia team, now iPRIS alumni, highlighted a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
The scale of these incidents pointed to a structural gap: while digital adoption was accelerating, coordinated national mechanisms for managing cyber incidents remained underdeveloped. In response, the team advanced a Change Initiative focused on strengthening incident response frameworks, laying the foundation for what would become the national guidelines.
The launch of the guidelines marks a shift from reactive responses to a coordinated, risk-based national cybersecurity approach. Developed by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) in collaboration with the Namibia Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT), the guidelines provide:
Importantly, the guidelines emphasise that cybersecurity is not a standalone technical function, but a shared responsibility across institutions and individuals. As highlighted during the launch:
Cyber threats are not hypothetical; they are real, evolving, and require continuous preparedness, coordination, and learning.
In the absence of a fully enacted cybersecurity law, the guidelines serve as a critical operational bridge, enabling institutions to act now rather than wait for legislation. They introduce practical mechanisms such as:
The launch also reinforced the urgency of action with concrete national data and examples:
To translate policy into practice, the event included live simulations demonstrating real-world threats such as:
These examples underscored a central message: cybersecurity resilience depends on preparedness, awareness, and rapid response, not prevention alone.
The guidelines also position Namibia within a broader ecosystem of regional and international collaboration.
They align with and leverage cooperation through platforms such as:
This reflects a core iPRIS principle: cross-border collaboration is essential, as cyber threats do not respect national boundaries.
The Namibia case demonstrates how iPRIS moves beyond knowledge exchange to institutional transformation.
What began as a cohort discussion in Stockholm and Swakopmund has resulted in:
The initiative highlights the value of peer learning and structured change processes in enabling regulators to respond to complex, fast-evolving challenges. While the guidelines mark significant progress, they are designed as a living framework, continuously evolving alongside emerging threats, technologies, and national priorities.
With ongoing efforts to advance cybersecurity legislation, expand capacity building, and strengthen coordination, Namibia is positioning itself for a more secure and resilient digital future. As the iPRIS journey continues, this milestone stands as a clear example of what is possible when insight, collaboration, and implementation come together.
Watch highlights from the fourth iPRIS cohort below
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).
Regional cooperation on roaming is moving from ambition to implementation, with West African regulators actively shaping practical, context-driven frameworks for more affordable and transparent cross-border connectivity.
Today, the majority of citizens rely on mobile connectivity not only for communication but also for banking, media consumption, commerce, and access to public services. Yet the cost of using a phone outside one’s home country remains prohibitively high. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports indicate that roaming charges in Sub‑Saharan Africa can reach $3 per megabyte of data, a price that places everyday digital activities beyond the reach of many households. Affordable roaming is therefore more than a convenience; it is a foundation for regional integration, enabling people and businesses to stay connected, lowering trade barriers, and supporting the growth of a unified digital economy across the West African region. As of August 2025, 13 bilateral MOUs had been signed across 8 West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) member states, with 9 already active (WATRA, 2025).
Read more insights concerning roaming in Sub-Saharan Africa from SPIDER Director Prof Caroline Wamala-Larsson here
At the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) in Lomé, Togo, regulators from across West Africa convened to address one of the region’s most persistent challenges: the high cost and complexity of mobile roaming. Held from April 20 to 24, 2026, the AGM convened national regulatory authorities (NRAs), field stakeholders, and development partners to advance the telecom landscape in the region.
The capacity-building workshop on roaming brought together NRAs to examine viable regulatory models, informed by international experience but grounded in regional realities. This workshop follows a recent online roaming workshop convened by WATRA, in partnership with the iPRIS project, organised by EY Baltic, and coordinated by SPIDER, on 19th February.
The workshop focused on translating global roaming frameworks into actionable pathways for West Africa. Experts from EY Baltic, including Paulius Žostautas, Olga Nodarou, Ioanna Choudalaki, and Andrejs Dombrovskis, presented regulatory approaches shaped by European and other international experiences. A central insight emerged clearly: there is no single model for roaming regulation. Instead, regulators must balance three critical dimensions:
Discussions explored different regulatory approaches, including benchmarking, cost-based models, and phased harmonisation strategies. Importantly, regulators examined how these models could evolve progressively, starting with simpler price caps and moving towards more advanced, cost-informed frameworks.
Across the sessions, West African regulators emphasised a key concern: global models must be adapted to regional and local market realities.
For example, discussions highlighted the limitations of “roam-like-at-local” approaches, which can introduce pricing complexity and reduce transparency for consumers. In contrast, more harmonised models, such as simplified price caps, were recognised as more user-friendly and predictable.
At the same time, regulators raised valid implementation challenges:
In response, the experts outlined practical alternatives, including benchmarking against comparable markets to reduce implementation burden while still moving towards harmonisation.
A recurring theme was the role of transparency in enabling effective regulation. Cost modelling, while complex, was presented as a tool to:
Equally, transparency for consumers, through clear pricing and communication, was identified as essential to improving user experience and adoption of roaming services.
Beyond pricing, the workshop addressed the broader technical and regulatory ecosystem required for a functional regional roaming framework. This included:
A key takeaway was that regional roaming is not only a pricing issue, but a system-wide coordination challenge, requiring alignment between regulators, operators, and policymakers.
The workshop demonstrated the value of iPRIS as a platform for peer exchange, where African regulators are not passive recipients of global models but active contributors shaping solutions for their context. As noted by Bengt G. Mölleryd, the strength of the session lay in its interactivity and relevance, connecting international expertise with the lived realities of West African markets.
Hosted with the support of ARCEP Togo, the convening also underscored the importance of national leadership in advancing regional agendas. The Lomé discussions signal a growing momentum towards a more integrated West African roaming space. The path forward is iterative, requiring:
For iPRIS, this engagement reinforces a core objective: supporting African regulators to lead, design, and implement reforms that improve connectivity outcomes across the continent.
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).
From 13 April to 29th April, iPRIS hosted its 8th cohort in Stockholm, Sweden, for a two-and-a-half-week comprehensive peer-to-peer learning program. The knowledge-exchange sessions, which are part of the iPRIS cycle, brought together National Regulators (NRAs), Regional Regulators (RROs), implementing partners, including the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) and the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), and European partners. They all convened to advance and strengthen the Change Initiatives(CIs) of the African National Regulatory Authorities. The cycle covered key areas of institutional strengthening, capacity building, regulatory collaboration, and knowledge exchange to strengthen regulatory capacity and drive inclusive digital transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The eighth cohort included NRAs 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), and Postal & Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). RRO representatives from WATRA, EACO and CRASA also joined the NRAs to help advance their CIs and contribute to regional cooperation. The success of the first cycle of the eighth iPRIS cohort marks a key step in shaping a connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered future.
According to GSMA (2024), mobile broadband coverage in Sub‑Saharan Africa now reaches over 87% of the population. However, significant gaps remain, as another GSMA (2024) report highlights that 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%. These two reports highlight that, despite growth in mobile broadband coverage, usage gaps persist within network coverage, while the digital divide continues to affect rural and underserved communities. While mobile broadband networks have expanded significantly across Sub-Saharan Africa, the greater challenge now lies in converting coverage into meaningful usage. The eighth iPRIS cohort training aimed to address this challenge by strengthening the NRAs’ capacity through sessions including spectrum management, cybersecurity, regulatory frameworks, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Week One of the program focused on grounding participants in their CIs, strengthening regulatory capacity, and enhancing peer learning among NRAs. The week supported practical implementation through exposure to project management, DEI frameworks and international regulatory practices. The CIs, being the cornerstone of the iPRIS program, were the main focus of the first day of the round, with each NRA presenting on their area of policy development and implementation within the ICT sector. The CIs included quality of service, Digital inclusion for people with disabilities, Cybersecurity, Market regulation, and Spectrum management. Through peer reviews and expert input from PTS and SPIDER, each NRA strengthened its core focus, identified gaps and challenges, and clarified its scope. The participants focused on designing initiatives rooted in clear needs, practical solutions, and measurable impact.
As highlighted in the discussions on institutional strengthening under iPRIS,
Telecom experts from SPIDER and PTS reinforced participants' regulatory capacity by sharing institutional best practices, policy frameworks, and practical implementation tools. Malena Liendholm Ndounou (SPIDER) equipped the participants with the project management plan, a tool to help ensure the effective execution of these projects so they not only meet their objectives but also advance digital inclusivity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Building on that, she introduced a structured seven-stage project cycle that guides participants through problem identification, objective setting, outcome definition, indicator selection, resource planning, stakeholder mapping, implementation, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL). A key factor noted during this presentation was the need to incorporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) throughout the implementation stages of a project.
Per Andersson, Antonia Wopenka, Jesper Svedberg, Per-Erik Vitasp and Gustav Söderlind, telecom experts from PTS, led JEO institutional and technical knowledge exchange sessions, which provided exposure to European regulatory frameworks, digital governance models, cybersecurity practices, and inclusive digital development approaches. The JEO sessions highlighted that while technology has advanced toward a more integrated, user-friendly digital ecosystem, there has been an increase in cybersecurity threats, fraud, and digital exclusion. The PTS experts highlighted the regulatory frameworks put in place to build resilience and curb these risks. This was one of the key takeaways that the NRAs could also apply in their authorities in similar cases.
The first week with the cohort strengthened their CIs with a strong analytical basis and gave them a clear picture of how regulatory frameworks can enable equitable digital markets.
Read more about week 1 sessions here
In the second week, the sessions shifted from systems thinking and institutional frameworks to practical discussions on harmonisation, broadband mapping, spectrum management, project evaluation, and regional collaboration. Led by experts from PTS and SPIDER, participants engaged in discussions on end-user protection and DEI. Lisa Gurner of PTS walked the cohort through frameworks and initiatives by the European authority responsible for protecting end users, including the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC).
A key thread throughout the discussions was that regulation must go beyond market structure and explicitly address vulnerability, institutional bias, and digital exclusion. Emphasising the responsibility of regulators, Caroline Wamala Larsson of SPIDER noted that:
As participants refined their CIs, they were challenged to rethink inclusion not as a policy add-on, but as a core regulatory outcome that must be embedded from the first stage through structured planning and implementation.
The week transitioned into real-world application through industry and technical exposure. The Ericsson field visit gave participants insight into how connectivity solutions are developed in practice, highlighting the private sector’s role in driving innovation and the importance of regulatory responsiveness to emerging technologies. This was followed by intensive JEO sessions led by Bo Andersson, Andreas Wigren, Jens Ingman, Amela Hatibovic Sehic, Gustav Lenninger and Fredrik Johansson. The sessions focused on broadband deployment, broadband mapping, and spectrum management, where Sweden’s data-driven regulatory model illustrated how granular information improves decision-making, accountability, and coverage analysis. Highlighting the broader developmental impact of such data-driven approaches, Jens Ingman, Senior Analyst, PTS, noted that:
Regional harmonisation discussions further reinforced the importance of coordinated regulatory approaches across countries. By the end of week two, participants had shifted their understanding of regulation toward effective oversight that depends on collaboration between regulators, industry, and robust data systems to ensure meaningful and equitable access to digital services.
Read more about week 2 here
The third week marked a key milestone in the first cycle of the program, as participants consolidated the regulatory knowledge, tools, and approaches gained over the previous weeks and translated them into forward-looking implementation plans. Following sessions on project management, DEI, intersectionality, JEO and telecom regulation, the National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) entered the final round of Change Initiative discussions with experts from SPIDER and PTS. Representatives from the RROs also contributed through knowledge exchange and regional perspectives, reinforcing the value of cooperation across regions. These discussions helped participants refine objectives, clarify outputs and outcomes, and assess the feasibility of implementation.
Henrik Höglin introduced the participants to Kivra, a digital mailbox for receiving important documents, such as invoices, salary slips, yearly bank statements, and credit checks, from companies, banks, and authorities. Kivra focuses on environmental sustainability, as more users mean fewer paper letters and more digital communication, resulting in less waste. The session added practical insight into user-centred digital service delivery and regulatory adaptability.
The Way Forward presentations were the central focus of the week, with each NRA outlining how its CI would progress beyond the training phase into practical regulatory action. The presentations underscored that effective regulation requires clear, measurable, and sustainable implementation plans supported by accountability and institutional ownership. The day focused on reflection, consolidation, and closure, as participants presented their refined project plans and demonstrated progress from initial concepts to structured interventions.
The first cycle concluded with evaluations, closing remarks, and certificate presentations, marking the transition from peer learning to implementation. In line with the iPRIS objective, Week Three equipped regulators with actionable, context-responsive tools to advance digital transformation in their respective countries.
Over the two and a half weeks, the 8th iPRIS Cohort progressed from foundational regulatory learning to the structured development and refinement of Change Initiatives, culminating in clear implementation plans through the Way Forward presentations. The programme advanced regulatory dialogue and peer learning among African National Regulatory Authorities, with support from European partners and implementing partners, including SPIDER and PTS. Throughout the sessions, participants moved from conceptual understanding to practical regulatory application, with continued emphasis on inclusion, meaningful project management, and effective implementation.
This first round of the iPRIS cycle reinforced a shared commitment to resilient, inclusive, and future-ready digital ecosystems across Sub-Saharan Africa.
With their Way Forward plans in place, participants conclude the Stockholm phase with clearer regulatory roadmaps, enhanced institutional perspectives, and more developed Change Initiatives. The cohort now proceeds to the next stage of the iPRIS program, prepared to translate knowledge into action through regulatory reform, improved institutional performance, and contributions to Africa’s broader digital transformation agenda. They will convene again in six months in Nairobi, Kenya, to review their progress.
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).
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