At this year’s UN General Assembly, leaders came together to endorse the Pact for the Future, a forward-thinking agreement launched at the United Nations Summit of the Future. Signed on September 22, 2024, the pact lays out a clear path for rolling out advanced telecom systems and bridging digital divides across the globe.
Global Digital Compact: Connecting the World
The Global Digital Compact, which is the overarching objective of the Pact, is a crucial development in global digital cooperation. Its significance was underscored by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who reiterated that:
"The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities."
The Global Digital Compact sets out several important principles that will greatly influence the telecommunications industry among other sectors:
Sustainable Development and Digital Inclusion
Looking Ahead: A Connected Future
The adoption of the Pact for the Future and its associated commitments marks a significant milestone in global efforts to harness the power of telecommunications for sustainable development. According to the United Nations, More than 7,000 civil participants attended, resulting in pledges aggregating USD 1.05 billion for furthering a cause such as digital inclusion worldwide.
As we progress, the telecommunications industry will play a pivotal role in implementing these ambitious goals.
The President of the UN General Assembly aptly summarised the potential impact of the Pact:
"It will lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order – for all peoples and nations."
With the globalisation of the world today, the telecommunications industry is in the vanguard of creating favourable opportunities. The undertaking made at the UN Summit of the Future offers a Vision for the Present and the Future which seeks to be inclusive, just, sustainable, and, most importantly, digitally empowered. Read More
From September 8-25, 2024, the first-ever iPRIS training for a French-speaking cohort of seven Francophone Africa national telecom regulators will take place in Luxembourg. The training will cover a
diverse range of topics including legal frameworks, market competition, consumer protection, and spectrum management. Participants will also visit several operators, the Court of Justice of the European Union, and cultural sites like museums and the Betzdorf and Vianden castles.
A key component of the iPRIS project is the planning and implementation of “Change Initiatives”, strategic projects designed to address specific challenges within each regulator's jurisdiction. These initiatives focus on tackling issues such as infrastructure gaps or digital inclusion barriers. Following the Luxembourg training, a regional support team will assist the regulators in implementing their change initiatives. The whole 2024B cohort will reconvene in Dakar, Senegal, in February 2025 to review progress and refine their projects. The effectiveness of the initiatives will be evaluated one year after the project’s commencement in 2025.
2024B will engage the telecom regulators of the Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo Brazzaville, Mauritania, Senegal and Togo. These national telecom regulators, also known as national
regulatory authorities (NRAs), are government-appointed organizations responsible for developing and implementing policies to safeguard consumers, ensure fair competition, and foster innovation within the ICT sector. iPRIS adopts a peer-based learning approach to enhance the capacities of NRAs, aiming to narrow the digital gap.
iPRIS is a joint effort by the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), Sweden’s Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), and Luxembourg’s Regulatory Institute (ILR). They collaborate with African
regional telecom regulators to support NRAs in achieving their strategic objectives.
For additional information, interested parties can contact Ms. Edna Soomre, the iPRIS Project Lead, at ipris@spidercenter.org
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) hosted its annual Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-24) in Kampala, Uganda from July 1 to 4, 2024, at the Speke Resort and Convention Center.
Themed "Regulation for Impact," GSR-24 brought together regulators, policymakers, and digital stakeholders from across the globe. The symposium offered a platform for knowledge exchange through thematic sessions focusing on critical issues in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The opening day featured a meeting of the Regional Regulatory Organizations and Digital Regulation Network (DRN). This session focused on accelerating sustainable digital transformation through collaborative approaches to digital policy, regulation, and governance across various economic sectors and borders. A key item on the agenda was the development of harmonized broadband mapping systems.
The DRN meeting also marked a significant milestone by celebrating its first successful year of operation. Participants took the opportunity to highlight the network's achievements, including knowledge sharing, capacity-building activities, and contributions to ITU-D Study Groups. The interactive workshops were also recognised as a valuable component of the DRN's efforts, underscoring the progress made in the past year.
Another significant event on the first day was the ITU GSR Heads of Regulators Executive Roundtable. This high-level discussion, which was a focal point of the day, concentrated on developing open, flexible, and risk-based governance structures for transformative technology. The roundtable featured rich interventions and discussions, highlighting the weighty challenges facing regulators in today's digital age.
Opening Ceremony at GSR-24
Day 2 of GSR-24 involved the opening ceremony led by a panel of stakeholders, including H.E. MAJ (RTD) Jessica Alupo (Vice President, Uganda), Hon. Dr Chris Baryomunsi (Minister, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Uganda), Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin (Secretary General, ITU), Mr George William Nyombi Thembo (Executive Director, UCC, and GSR-24 chair, Uganda), and Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava (Director, Telecommunications Development Bureau, ITU).
H.E. Jessica Alupo, representing President Yoweri Museveni, officially opened the symposium. In her address, she emphasised, "As regulators of the ICT sector, your mandate is to promote the sector's contribution to the economic well-being of the people." She added, "I urge you to promote a regulatory environment prioritising innovation, safety, privacy and the rights of digital technology users."
Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the urgent need to bridge the digital divide, noting that 2.6 billion globally still lack internet access. She stated, "We need to make the race to regulation a race to the top and not a race to the bottom." Bogdan-Martin called for accelerated efforts to bring these unconnected populations online, describing it as "both an economic necessity and a moral imperative."
Dr. Cosmas Zavazava stressed the importance of collaboration: "Collaboration entails two-way frequent and dynamic communication among governments, the private sector, civil society, telecommunications regulators, and the average citizen." He emphasised the need for "formulating policies that are inclusive, and making significant investments in building the infrastructure."
Dr Chris Baryomunsi, welcomed delegates to the "Pearl of Africa" and highlighted Uganda's commitment to digital transformation. He stated, "The government of Uganda has prioritised digital transformation, as expressed in our national development plan number three, and also as a ministry as a sector, we are guided by a digital transformation roadmap."
George William Nyombi Thembo provided context for the symposium's importance, noting, "Access to the internet is no longer a luxury, it has become an absolute necessity. Denial of which means denial of essential services like education, medical care, and financial inclusion to mention but a few."
The symposium discussed key topics such as artificial intelligence governance, space technologies, and international cooperation in ICT regulation. Participants worked towards developing best practice guidelines for regulating emerging technologies to maximise their positive impact while minimising risks.
From left: Dr Cosmas Zavazava (ITU) and Mr George William Nyombi Thembo (UCC)
The primary outcome of day 2 was the launch of the Best Practice Guidelines, by Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava from ITU and Mr George William Nyombi Thembo, the executive director of UCC.
Best Practice Guidelines are instrumental in shaping national policies, strategies and regulatory frameworks that foster investment, innovation and growth in the ICT sector. The ITUG SR-24 Best Practice Guidelines chart the course of transformative technologies for positive impact, outlining the challenges, opportunities, key policy and regulatory measures, and guiding principles for positive and inclusive impact in 6 languages.
Network of women in tech
On Day 3 of GSR-24, the Network of Women (NoW) session brought together influential voices to address the persistent gender gap in the ICT sector. Participants engaged in spirited discussions examining the obstacles that continue to hinder women’s advancement in technology-related fields, especially at the highest levels of policymaking. The session highlighted the challenges and explored solutions and mechanisms to boost women’s participation in these crucial roles.
From left: Enock Wakabi (UCC), Dr Caroline Wamala (SPIDER), and Priscilla Namugerwa (UCC) at GSR-24
ITU Sec Gen Ms Bogdan-Martin expressed her inspiration from the stories of women’s leadership shared during the event. She called for renewed efforts to make 2025 a milestone year for gender equality, urging stakeholders to take concrete actions to close the gender divide in the digital sphere.
SPIDER director Dr Caroline Wamala (left) and ITU secretary general Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin (right) at GSR-24
Other announcements at GSR-24:
In an era where digital connectivity is a catalyst for economic growth, the iPRIS (ICT Policy & Regulation - Institutional Strengthening) initiative stands as a beacon of hope for 43 African countries. This program aims to strengthen telecom regulatory bodies across Africa, fostering digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide through peer-to-peer capacity building.
The iPRIS initiative is a comprehensive approach to unlocking the development potential of Sub-Saharan Africa. By improving ICT service quality and leveraging digital technologies, iPRIS aims to enhance digital connectivity and inclusion, driving overall development in the region.
Among the 43 participating nations, French-speaking countries play a pivotal role. These include Benin, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Republic of Congo, Chad, Senegal, and Togo.
Benin (ARCEP Benin):
Burundi (ARCT):
Burkina Faso (ARCEP Burkina Faso):
Cameroon (ART Cameroon):
Central African Republic (ARCEP Centrafrique):
Comoros (ANRTIC):
Côte d'Ivoire (ARTCI):
DR Congo (ARPTC):
Gabon (ARCEP Gabon):
Guinea (ARPT Guinea):
Mali (AMRTP):
Niger (ARCEP Niger):
Republic of Congo (ARPCE Congo):
The iPRIS initiative is more than a policy framework; it is a transformative force driving digital inclusion and connectivity across Francophone Africa. By strengthening regulatory bodies and fostering cooperation, iPRIS is paving the way for a digitally empowered future in the region.
The "Interconnection and Access Catalogue 2023" from Togo Telecom is more than a technical document; it reflects the dynamics of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Africa. In a continent undergoing a digital transformation, regulations and interconnection offers play a crucial role. This article explores how this catalogue fits into the African ICT landscape and the impact of regulations on this rapidly growing sector.
Objective and Scope of the Catalogue
Togo Telecom's catalogue aims to clarify the offers and conditions for collaboration with other operators, an essential need in an African environment where connectivity is constantly expanding. By providing detailed and transparent information, Togo Telecom promotes effective cooperation, thus facilitating the extension of telecommunications services in Togo and beyond.
Services Offered
Interconnection services are at the heart of ICT infrastructure in Africa, and Togo Telecom offers a comprehensive range to meet these needs:
Pricing
Clear and transparent pricing is essential in the African context, where costs can be a barrier to ICT adoption. Installation fees, recurring fees, and specific charges are clearly detailed, allowing operators to effectively plan and budget their interconnection investments.
Access Conditions Access conditions to Togo Telecom's services are designed for seamless integration, reflecting best regulatory practices. Technical requirements and contractual terms are clearly defined, ensuring compliance with international standards. This alignment with regulations builds partner confidence and stimulates innovation in ICT.
Stakeholders Key stakeholders include telecommunications operators and regulatory authorities. In Africa, these actors play a crucial role in ICT development. Togo Telecom's catalogue provides the necessary information for effective collaboration, ensuring regulations are adhered to and services are delivered according to established standards.
Performance Indicators The performance indicators defined by Togo Telecom are essential for ensuring service quality and reliability, critical aspects in the African context. Availability rates and repair times are key measures to ensure service continuity, while customer satisfaction reflects Togo Telecom's commitment to its partners.
Illustrations and Examples The catalogue includes diagrams and tables illustrating service options, pricing, and expected performance. These illustrations are particularly useful in the African context, where visualizing data facilitates understanding and decision-making, enhancing transparency and ICT adoption.
The "Interconnection and Access Catalogue 2023" from Togo Telecom is much more than a technical document; it is a strategic tool for ICT development in Africa. By offering detailed and transparent information on services, pricing, and access conditions, Togo Telecom supports the expansion of telecommunications on the continent. Regulations play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and stimulating innovation, enabling Africa to realize its digital potential. Stakeholders are encouraged to consult this document to maximize the opportunities offered by Togo Telecom in 2023 and beyond.
In 2023, the mobile telephony market in Congo is dominated by two main operators: MTN and Airtel, following the cessation of Azur's activities despite holding its license. These two players serve more than 5.9 million subscribers, mainly prepaid representing 99.3% of the market (Rapport 2023 du Marché de la telephonie mobile au congo ...).The 2023 report on the mobile telephony market in Congo offers a detailed analysis of the sector's performance over the year, with a focus on key indicators such as subscriber numbers, voice and SMS traffic, revenues generated, and weighted outgoing tariffs. It aims to inform the strategic decisions of operators and regulators, taking into account regulatory developments and technological challenges.
Trends
The mobile telephony penetration rate reached 94.6%, up slightly on the previous year, with total revenues of CFA F 136.071 billion in 2023, mainly generated by outgoing traffic.
The market recorded total voice traffic of 6.586 billion minutes and SMS volume of 5.442 billion messages. Despite apparent saturation, the market is showing modest but steady growth in the number of subscribers.
The sector is constantly evolving to meet new technological and economic realities, with ARPCE playing a crucial role in regulatory developments, such as the revision of tariffs to increase market competitiveness. Technological challenges include the deployment of network infrastructure, the adoption of 4G and preparation for 5G, as well as securing against cyber-attacks and managing the growing volume of data.
MTN dominated the market with 72.4% of total revenues, while Airtel accounted for 27.6%. MTN saw its revenues increase by 7.5% in 2023, while Airtel saw a slight decline of 0.4%.
Challenges and opportunities
For 2024, the forecast includes continued growth in subscriber numbers, investment in infrastructure to extend 4G coverage and introduce 5G, and a downward trend in tariffs to stimulate consumption of voice and data services. Innovation in service packages, diversification with value-added services, and transparency in pricing practices are essential to support a competitive and sustainable market. ARPCE will continue to play a key role in monitoring the market, promoting access to new technologies, and ensuring healthy and transparent competition.
Developing regions offer fertile ground for the development of mobile telephony. With sustained demographic growth and increasing urbanization, these regions represent an expansive market for telecoms services. The extension of mobile telephony networks can play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by facilitating access to communication and information services, even in remote rural areas. This could stimulate economic development by improving access to markets, supporting local entrepreneurship, and enhancing access to education and healthcare. In addition, technological innovation, such as the introduction of 4G and the future 5G, could transform connectivity by offering faster broadband deployment and increased capacity for data processing.
These advances pave the way for new value-added services such as mobile payment, healthcare applications, and distance education platforms, responding to the diverse needs of local populations. Finally, public-private partnerships for infrastructure development will play a crucial role in mobilizing the necessary resources and ensuring efficient network deployment, thus contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic growth in developing regions.
Lomé, Togo, played host to the 21st seminar of Fratel, the network of French-speaking telecom regulators, on May 21-22, 2024. The event was organized by the Togolese national regulator ARCEP TOGO and the Congolese national regulator ARPCE, the current president of Fratel. The seminar welcomed 18 Fratel members including ILR, the technical partner for the French-speaking rounds of iPRIS, SPIDER, and various industry players. The theme of the seminar was "The data economy and mobile payment: what are the technical and economic regulatory challenges?"
With the acceleration of digitization, data access and exchange have become crucial to economic and social development. It is essential to create a secure environment to encourage the sharing and effective use of data, notably through open access. At the same time, the dramatic increase in data production has stimulated the development of data storage and processing infrastructures, particularly via the cloud, on a global scale.
In a world where every click, every transaction generates an avalanche of data, understanding and regulating this flow is becoming essential. The seminar kicked off with an inspiring presentation by Cina Lawson, Togo's dynamic Minister for the Digital Economy. She captivated the audience with a compelling vision of Togo's digital transformation, highlighting groundbreaking initiatives that are setting new standards in the region.
Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy, Togo. ©
The seminar was structured around three main panels, each addressing crucial aspects of regulation in the digital economy.
Data economy development
The first panel focused on the development of the data economy, a key issue in the digital age. The data economy refers to all economic activities and processes based on the use of data. It encompasses various practices, technologies and business models centered on the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data to create value.
This first panel, chaired by Marc SAKALA, Managing Director of ARPCE in the Republic of Congo, was introduced by David Guitton, Attorney at Jones Day.
As David Guitton astutely noted, "The data economy implies valuing data. It is the use of data that determines its value".
He stressed the importance for the State to provide a technical and legal framework governing access to data, and a regulatory framework enabling access to data between players (associations, labels, groupings...).
Ms. Laure de la Raudiere, President of ARCEP France, emphasised the importance for Europe of ensuring that digital transformation benefits European citizens and businesses. The seminar was structured around three main panels, each addressing crucial aspects of regulation in the digital economy.
Having explored the fundamental aspects of the data economy, the seminar progressed to the second panel, which looked at an equally crucial theme: "What public interventions to remedy potential market failures in data storage and processing. "
Public intervention in Data storage and processing
The data storage and processing market refers to all the services, technologies and solutions that enable companies and organisations to store, manage and process their data efficiently and securely. It was chaired by Luc TAPELLA, President of ILR (Luxembourg). In her introduction to the session, Ms Rihab RABBAJ, Analyst at Cullen International, highlighted the fundamental aspects and challenges of cloud computing services.
Among the speakers, Daniel ANOUGBA, Head of "Infrastructure Sharing and Access" at RTCI Côte d'Ivoire, focused on data processing market failures, initiatives taken and future prospects in his presentation.
Achille HUNYO, Service and Productivity Supervising Engineer at Ecobank, gave a presentation on public interventions to remedy potential failures in the data storage and processing market.
Jean Francis AHANDA, General Manager DATA CENTER services at ST digital, emphasized: "It is now accepted that the massification of data produced and its circulation are revolutionizing the economy. At once a strategic asset and a decision-making, action and production tool for companies, data is at the root of new decision-making processes and unprecedented alliance strategies between companies in different sectors, just as much as it is provoking new confrontations between economic players." Read more
After gaining a clear understanding of the challenges and interventions required in the data storage and processing market, the seminar then turned its attention to a hot topic: mobile payments.
Sharing experiences on mobile paymentsc
This third panel provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and perspectives, highlighting how this technology is revolutionising financial transactions and promoting economic inclusion. Mobile payments refer to financial transactions carried out using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. They enable users to purchase goods and services, transfer money and manage their finances via mobile applications or services.
With insightful keynote speaker Vinyo CAPO, Director of Markets and Data Regulation at ARCEP TOGO, the third panel plunged into the fast-changing world of mobile payments. Mawuli COUCHORO set the scene with a powerful introduction highlighting both the immense opportunities and formidable challenges presented by this technology.
This was followed by contributions from :
Régis ONDO MORO, Director of Markets at ARCEP GABON, who emphasised:
"It should be noted that Mobile Money enables greater financial inclusion of populations through its ability to offer financial services, particularly in rural areas, enabling inequalities to be reduced."
Mrs. Fatou Gueye, Deputy Director of Means and Payment Systems at BCEAO, cited examples of initiatives in certain countries, such as offering free access to certain essential services (the case in South Africa), promoting low-cost data offers for low-income users (the case in India), and deploying free wifi access points (the case in Kenya).
Mr. Sefa HUSUNUKPE, Mobile Money Director at Togocom, gave a brief overview of the mobile payment ecosystem in Togo. According to him, the available offers are still insufficient due to a number of challenges, namely: users' preference for liquidity, limited literacy and low levels of financial education, user identification, user security, and the compartmentalization of the ecosystem.
Achille Tefong VAUMI, Market Engagement Manager for the Mobile Money Program in Francophone Africa at the GSMA, presented an overview of mobile money, with figures supporting its overall growth in Africa, and the GSMA's position on interoperability in mobile money. Interoperability in mobile money refers to the ability of different mobile payment systems and financial networks to work together seamlessly. This enables users to transfer funds, make payments and receive money between different mobile money platforms, banks and other financial services.
In closing, Fratel's seminar in Lomé was not only a platform for intellectual exchange, but also an opportunity for SPIDER and ILR to exchange views with the regulators who will be taking part in the first French-speaking iPRIS cycle, which will begin with training in Luxembourg next September.
In addition to the high-level panels, participants visited ARCEP Togo's headquarters and were impressed by their data collection and analysis capabilities, as well as the availability of data for the general public. Togolese culture was also on show.
Fratel, the French-speaking telecommunications regulation network created in 2003, aims to contribute to training and collaboration between its members. In 2024, Fratel will be chaired by ARPCE Congo, and in 2025 by ARCEP Gabon.
We are pleased to announce that a new cohort, comprising seven ICT National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) from Gambia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa, will commence the iPRIS peer-to-peer learning session in Sweden from 12 to 29 May 2024.
The NRAs represented include The Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA), Mauritius’ Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA), Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
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.
The project implementors, including SPIDER,PTS and ILR will meet on the 30th May. iPRIS 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).In collaboration with the African Regional Regulatory Organisations, the implementers support the participating National Regulatory Authorities in achieving their strategic change initiatives.
A peer to peer learning approach
iPRIS aims to bridge the digital divide by boosting the capacities of African telecommunications regulatory authorities through peer-to-peer learning.
“iPRIS provides peer-to-peer capacity-building for African National Regulatory Authorities and Regional Regulatory Organisations, said SPIDER Director, Dr Caroline Wamala. “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.”
Engaging 43 countries in Africa, iPRIS aims to enhance inclusive digital connectivity and drive social and economic prosperity using ICT. The regulators participating in the project include National Regulatory Authorities and Regional Regulatory Organisations across sub-Saharan Africa.
The 2024 A cohort is the second group of NRAs taking part in the iPRIS training after the first cohort, 2023A, successfully completed the Sweden Phase in November 2023 and the Africa Phase in Zambia in March 2023. Currently, the 2023 A group is busy with their change initiatives, and they are set to complete the program in November 2023.
The 2023 A group comprises of regulators from Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), Eswatini Communication Commission (ESCCOM), Sierra Leone National Communication Authority (NatCA), National Communication Authority of South Sudan (NCA), Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), and Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA).
Read the first edition of the iPRIS Newsletter here
The training approach
The two and a half week long peer to peer training programme in Sweden covers a wide range of topics on the Joint European Offer, Project management, gender, equality and incluson The topics covered in the Joint European offer include, institutional and legal framework, competition for a dynamic market, end user protection, spectrum management and secure communications.
During the training, the NRAs from Africa will have an opportunity to share insights and witness technical aspects/ regulatory approaches from their European counterparts. The training programme also includes a site visit to the VASA Museum, PTS, and Ericsson.
Change Initiatives
The comprehensive training is designed to equip participants with the skills and insights they need to develop change initiatives to drive meaningful change within their regulatory bodies. Change Initiatives” are strategic projects undertaken by NRAs during the iPRIS training to bridge the digital divide by addressing challenges and opportunities within the ICT sector. They are the cornerstone 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
After the Sweden training a regional support team, with representatives from African RROs, collaborates with the national regulators to support the implementation of their change initiatives, thus promoting regional harmonisation.
The 2024 A cohort will meet up for one week after four months in one of the African countries represented in their group for the Africa phase. This week-long meeting will provide a platform for participants to review progress, share results, and engage in discussions to enhance their change initiatives (CIs) further. One year after the round begins (June 2024), the efficacy and progress of the change initiatives implemented by the participating NRAs will be examined and evaluated.
For more information please contact,
Ms. Edna Soomre, Project Lead iPRIS
ipris@spidercenter.org
The "Bridging the Gender Digital Divide" webinar, hosted by the Africa Union (AU) and Africa Renewal, addressed the pressing issue of reducing the digital gender gap in Africa. Chido Mpemba, the African Union Youth Envoy, the youngest diplomat and senior official in the African Union Chairperson's Cabinet, moderated the webinar. The panel consisted of diverse experts, each bringing a unique perspective in and around the digital space. The keynote speakers were Mbali Hongwane, the founder and CEO of Pink Codrs Africa; Ruth Mtuwa, the co-founder of DroneX Technologies; and Dr Emmanuel Manasseh, the acting director for the International Telecommunications Union in Africa.
Key speakers emphasised government policies, digital skills development, and investment in infrastructure. The webinar, brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies for reducing the digital gender gap in Africa and the challenges women face in the technological space. Here are some highlights from the webinar:
Government policies and framework
Key to focus is the crucial role of government frameworks in creating inclusive, diverse, and transformational policies. Emmanuel Manasseh said, "To increase the representation of women in technological sectors, governments must create policies, backed by data, to ensure that more girls are taking STEM courses in schools all over Africa."
The gender digital divide remains a pressing issue in the world's less developed countries. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), internet access globally is 65% for women versus 70% for men. This gap is especially widened in Africa, with 32% of women accessing internet use, compared to 42% of men, indicating a 10% divide. In Africa, the disparity in digital access is particularly concerning, given the overall low internet and digital technology adoption levels. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to ensure digital inclusion for all.
Mbali Hlongwane, the Founder and CEO of Pink Codrs Africa, which has mentored over 500 young girls with the necessary digital skills in South Africa, highlighted the importance of encouraging the early development of technological skills in African youth, particularly women. "Preparing young women for digital transformation starts with equipping young African women with the tech skills needed in the technological spaces."
Barriers to the digital world
During the webinar, some key challenges were discussed, including the lack of accessibility to technological platforms, the lack of proper digital infrastructure in most African countries, the high cost of internet access, limited access to information, and the influence of cultures and perspectives towards women's education in Africa. "For women to overcome these barriers in the digital space, we must work towards providing these digital platforms, come up with a holistic and inclusive approach, and take up steadfast leadership roles as women to empower young girls", said Ruth Mtuwa, the co-founder of DroneX.
Skills for the future
A major focus of the webinar was developing digital skills for the future. As a developing continent, Africa's role in digital development will have to scale up to create digital literacy, which will produce competent digital professionals capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
Africa's youthful population is a significant asset, with over 60% of the continent's population under 25. However, despite this demographic advantage, there is a pressing need to improve digital literacy rates among young people. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 6 per cent of children and young people in low-income countries have internet access compared to 87 per cent in high-income countries. This disparity underscores the importance of investing in digital education and training programs to equip Africa's youth with the skills they need to succeed in the digital space.
"According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of employees will need to be reskilled by 2025," said Mbali Hlongwe, highlighting the importance of time consciousness in creating an ideal digital environment for young African women.
Women Leaders in Digitalisation
The panellists emphasised the crucial role of governments and the private sector in reducing the gaps in the digital space. Policies should encourage women to assume leadership roles in the digital sector. This will ensure digital inclusivity is not limited to words on paper but is implemented on the ground. Furthermore, it will encourage more young women to pursue careers in the digital sphere.
Investment in Digital Spaces
The webinar also discussed government and private sector investments. Chido Mpemba underscored the importance of targeting young girls, providing them with high-quality training, and further investing in them. It underscores the importance of mentoring young girls to prepare them for positions within the digital sector in Africa.
Ruth Mtuwa stated , "Young women must also have the digital literacy and skills to occupy these positions so that they are not merely given these opportunities simply because they are women, but because they are qualified and highly skilled".
Conclusion
Bridging the gender digital divide in Africa requires concerted efforts from governments, the private sector, and civil society. This includes creating inclusive policies, investing in digital literacy and training programs, and empowering women to take leadership roles in the digital sector.
Collaboratiive efforts such as iPRIS aims to bridge the digital divide by boosting the capacities of African telecommunications regulatory authorities through peer-to-peer learning. The regulators participating in the project include National Regulatory Authorities and Regional Regulatory Organisations across sub-Saharan Africa.iPRIS 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). In collaboration with the African Regional Regulatory Organisations, the implementers support the participating National Regulatory Authorities to achieve their strategic change initiatives.
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Every year on the third Thursday in April, the world celebrates International Girls in ICT Day. Girls in ICT Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of promoting girls' participation in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) using strong female role models in ICT-related fields and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.
Like many regions, Africa faces a significant gender gap in the ICT sector. Girls in ICT Day raises awareness about this gap using role models to encourage girls to consider careers in technology, thereby helping to address disparities in access to and participation in the ICT industry. According to ITU, Digital technologies are an essential pathway to gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will not be possible until we close the digital gender gap.
Africa's economy is increasingly reliant on technology and digital innovation. Encouraging more girls to enter the ICT sector helps to build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth in the region.
This year, we have put together a digital campaign that features voices of leading women in ICT drawn from National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and iPRIS partner organisations across Africa.
2. Dr. Caroline Wamala-Larsson (Director of SPIDER)
3. Dr. Emma Anna Otieno (Deputy Director, Communications Authority of Kenya)
4. Ms Minenhle Rollaine Masuku (Quality Services Engineer Eswatini Community Commission (ESCCOM)
5. Dr. Katja Sarajeva (Program Manager ITP Network and Researcher at SPIDER)
The role of iPRIS
ICT Policy & Regulation – Institutional Strengthening (iPRIS) contributes to bridging the digital divide by boosting the capacities of African telecommunications regulatory bodies. Targeting 43 countries in Africa, iPRIS aims to enhance inclusive digital connectivity and drive social and economic prosperity using ICT.
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 project aims to provide inclusive peer-to-peer capacity-building for African National Regulatory Authorities and Regional Regulatory Organisations, recognising the significance of ICT policies and regulation in promoting digital inclusion, equitable access to the Internet, consumer rights protection, and personal data safeguarding.
By highlighting the achievements of women in ICT and providing role models for young girls, the iPRIS girls in ICT campaign helps to break down notable barriers such as:
Addressing the gender gap
Efforts to address the gender gap in ICT in Africa include initiatives to promote STEM education for girls, provide digital skills training and mentorship programs, support women's entrepreneurship in the technology sector, and advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality and inclusivity in the ICT workforce.
While progress has been made in some areas, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women and girls in Africa have equal opportunities to participate and succeed in the ICT sector. Continued investment in education, skills development, and gender-responsive policies and programs is essential for closing the gender gap and harnessing the full potential of Africa's digital economy. Girls in ICT Day encourages girls to pursue their interests in technology without fear of discrimination or bias.
For more media related queries/ more information about iPRIS
Please contact,
Ms.Edna Soomre - Project lead, iPRIS
Email: ipris@spidercenter.org
www.ipris.digital
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The 13th AGM of The Communication Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa CRASA was held from 11- 13 April 2024 at the Royal Villas Hotel in Ezulwini, Kingdom of Eswatini. The AGM was be hosted by the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCOM).
Dr. Bengt Mölleryd on the podium during the Annual General Meeting. Photo courtesy of iPRIS.
CRASA organised a pre-AGM conference from the 8th to 10th of April 2024, themed “Innovation for Better Regulation”, which will also be hosted at the same venue. During the conference, Bengt Möllerydfrom SPIDER delivered a keynote presentation on the barriers to technological innovation.
(CRASA) is a forum for information and communications technologies (ICT) and postal regulators in Southern Africa. CRASA is a specialised agency of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and was set up in 1997 within the framework of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (1995). CRASA consists of four institutions: the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Executive Committee (EC), the Specialized Committees, and the Secretariat. The RRO has 14 ICT and postal regulators from the SADC Region who are members of CRASA.
The Innovation for Better Regulation Conference
Over the years, the regulation landscape has undergone significant changes, influenced by technological advances, shifts in consumer demands and expectations, and evolving business models. To keep pace with this dynamic environment, CRASA Members must embrace innovation to enhance regulatory effectiveness, efficiency, and adaptability as regulators of the electronic communications and postal sectors.
Enhancing innovation in executing regulatory mandates is imperative in our increasingly digital and interconnected world. The Innovation for Better Regulation Conference will, therefore, tackle the following pertinent questions through interactive presentations, panels and roundtable discussions moderated by subject-matter experts from all over the world:
The Provisional Conference programme can be accessed on the link:
The second day of the iPRIS Africa Regional peer-to-peer capacity building workshop for the 2023 A cohort) included sessions on cybersecurity, risk assessment for 5G networks, project management, and broadband deployment.
About iPRIS
ICT Policy & Regulation – Institutional Strengthening (iPRIS) is a capacity-building project that focuses on boosting the capabilities of National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and Regional Regulatory Organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa. Targeting 43 countries in Africa, iPRIS aims to enhance digital connectivity and drive social and economic prosperity using ICT. Building on the success of the ICT Regulation Policy and Practice (ITP) program by SPIDER and the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (2016-2022), iPRIS marks a strategic leap forward, focusing on empowering National Regulatory Authorities in Sub-Saharan Africa, boosting their capacity to shape and implement regulatory frameworks, especially in telecommunications..
The iPRIS project is implemented by The SPIDER (the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions ), The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), and the Luxembourg Regulatory Institute (ILR).
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 project aims to provide inclusive peer-to-peer capacity-building for National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and Regional Regulatory Organisations (RROs), recognising the significance of ICT policies and regulations in promoting digital inclusion, equitable access to the Internet, consumer rights protection, and personal data safeguarding.
Here are some photo highlights from day 2 of the iPRIS Africa Region peer to peer workshop :
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