iPRIS was represented by SPIDER in Lillestrøm, Norway, at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which took place from 23-27 June. IGF was filled with dynamic interactions and knowledge exchange opportunities for iPRIS, showcasing Africa's strides towards inclusive policy and regulatory innovation. There was also engagement throughout the week from a regular stream of visitors at the SPIDER booth, ranging from regulators, civil society, development partners, and digital rights advocates from around the globe. One-on-one dialogues would be held with the delegates, who would participate in interactive activities such as quizzes and thematic prompts, while also engaging in discussions on the daily regulatory challenges shaping Africa's digital future.

In particular, the iPRIS booth aimed to emphasise regulation that facilitates meaningful connectivity, where "connectivity" is meant to refer to digital access that translates into real opportunities for underserved communities. Visitors to the booth were invited to consider the question: "What does meaningful connectivity mean to you?" This gave rise to some powerful insights emanating from stakeholders drawing from different regions and sectors.

Prof. Abdulkarim Ayopo Oloyede from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, revealed that “Meaningful connectivity for me as a Nigerian means being able to have access to the internet whenever and wherever. Our challenge remains coverage. I drive to work an hour every morning, half of that time I have no connection, not to the internet nor regular voice calls.”

Additionally, a range of visitors shared video reflections on how digital innovations have truly transformed their work. Among them were health professionals, leaders from community networks, and policy advocates-a testimony to being flexible, inclusive, and rooted regulation.

“We are working with the Communications Authority, which has also set up a regulatory sandbox to explore new ways in which spectrum that is available can also be provided to community connectivity organizations to make sure that no one is left behind in the current digital age,” said Barack Otieno, Chair of the Association of Community Networks in Kenya, highlighting how regulatory reforms are enabling connectivity for underserved communities through new licensing frameworks and innovative spectrum use.

IGF 2025 provided a timely opportunity for iPRIS to contribute to broader global conversations on internet governance, spectrum policy, AI regulation, and regional cooperation. When the conference finally ended, the iPRIS team expressed their appreciation to all the people who visited the booth, shared their experiences, and raised the profile of African regulatory leadership on the world stage.

Keep an eye on our LinkedIn page for all the recent updates, interviews, and lessons from the iPRIS Project.

iPRIS is coordinated and implemented by SPIDER in strategic and technical partnership with 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).

After an intense year of collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, and policy innovation and a successful, insightful, and engaging Regional follow-up phase in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in October 2024, the iPRIS 2024A cohort officially joined the iPRIS alumni community. The cohort’s wrap-up plenary brought together national regulatory authorities from The Gambia (PURA), South Africa (ICASA), Lesotho (LCA), Uganda (UCC), Mauritius (ICTA), Tanzania (TCRA), regional bodies such as CRASA, the SPIDER team, PTS representatives, and a network of peers and experts.

The plenary session opened with acknowledgements from the facilitator, Kerstin Borglin, SPIDER, of the members present, including Katrina Schyberg, the project lead of iPRIS at PTS, Lars-Göran Hansson and Gustav Lenninger from PTS, and the other SPIDER associates in Stockholm: Caroline Wamala, Ulf Larsson, Alexandra Högberg, Katja Sarajeva, and Edna Soomre. The session was reflective and committed to showcasing achievements and the importance of continuous peer learning, all while highlighting the programme's core themes.

Showcasing Change Initiatives

Participants from respective countries presented the outcomes of its Change Initiatives (CI), reflecting on lessons learnt and shared plans for future implementations. 

In the earlier session, South Africa’s ICASA shared its experience in developing Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) regulations. The project accomplished technical assessments and legal evaluation with ongoing public hearings. A few challenges were encountered, including resource constraints and timeline overruns; however, effective stakeholder engagement and diverse regional perspectives helped mitigate risk. 

Lesotho’s LCA followed and shared the LCA’s cybersecurity regulatory instructions, which were approved in March 2025. They also highlighted the five-year alignment of the biannual reporting plan with stakeholders. Uganda’s UCC presented a revised National Numbering plan, and authorisation frameworks were in the final approval stages. The project focused on internal workflows through restructuring and leveraging data-driven management practices. 

Mauritius’s ICTA discussed their public dashboards in development and also presented its updated Quality of Service (QoS) evaluation framework, which integrates crowdsourced user data and engages operators. The Gambia’s PURA introduced new consumer complaint-handling guidelines with refined KPIs. And Tanzania’s TCRA introduced its draft guidelines for satellite-terrestrial spectrum sharing. Established with stakeholder input, their project fosters partnerships between Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and satellite operators.  

Peer and Expert Reflections

The representatives from PTS, SPIDER, and CRASA applauded the cohort’s project presentations for their comprehensiveness, intent, and regional relevance. Emphasis on the importance of real-time monitoring and stakeholder engagements. Participants were also encouraged to view the conclusion of their CIs as the beginning of a continuous institutional development process. The participant countries highlighted the advantage of peer networks for sustaining change. 

Looking Ahead

The 2024A cohort demonstrated that impactful regulation is possible when local expertise is combined with structured peer learning. The plenary session concluded with a unified understanding that real change requires sustained effort, and iPRIS provides a platform to facilitate evidence-based digital regulation across Africa. 

Here are some video highlights from the cohort:

iPRIS is coordinated and implemented by SPIDER in strategic and technical partnership with 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).

In Juba, South Sudan, the 1st Advisory Council and 30th General Assemblies under EACO were launched, with over 250 regional stakeholders convened under the theme, "Shaping the Future of the East African Region through Digital Transformation." The high-level event on 9-13 June 2025 was hosted by the National Communication Authority (NCA).

This landmark congregating marks a significant milestone for EACO, as it signals the inauguration of the Advisory Council meeting-a forum consisting of Members and Partners that meet once every two years to adopt and coordinate recommendations from the different Assemblies. Together with the Advisory Council, the four annual Assemblies of EACO-i.e., Regulators, Postal Operators, Telecommunications Operators, and Broadcasting Operators-have also convened in Juba for discussions concerning the regional ICT landscape.

Digital transformation and inclusive growth in focus

Day 1 focused on digital transformation as a critical dimension towards unlocking East African socio-economic development potential. Loads of thematic sessions were debated, including the following topics:

• ICT infrastructure development and regional connectivity
• Infrastructure sharing for cost efficiency
• Digital inclusion strategies for the unserved
• E-waste management and green ICT solutions

South Sudan hosting the Assemblies enhances NCA's regional leadership in telecommunications matters and projects to establish a digital hub.

"When we deliberate over the coming days, let us remain aware that the policies, recommendations, and standards we adopt here will ultimately touch many lives," stated Mr Gieth Mathiang Kon, Director General of NCA, during the opening day.

Regional leaders join forces to frame ICT policy

Day Two was marked by the official inauguration of the General Assemblies, drawing together regulatory and operational stakeholders from across East Africa. The arrival of Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance from Uganda was warmly welcomed by top officials from the host country. The participation of such senior policymakers surely demonstrates a shared commitment to the region harmonising its ICT policy and regulatory framework with regional priorities and the African Union’s digital transformation agenda.

Marking a new chapter in regional ICT leadership

Reflecting the successful conclusion of the 1st Advisory Council meetings, the National Communication Authority announced that the 1st Advisory Council meetings had come to a close after being held from 11 to 13 June 2025 in Juba.

The final day was characterised by a comprehensive report from the outgoing Chair of EACO, Dr. Samuel Muhizi of Burundi, offering key reflections on the organisation's progress and its strategic priorities. However, a significant moment in the proceedings saw the official handover of the EACO chairmanship from Dr. Muhizi to Mr. Gieth Kon Mathiang, Director-General of the NCA, South Sudan.

In their final moments, the meetings adopted a Final Communiqué that encapsulated crucial resolutions and undertakings from member states aimed at enhancing collaboration and expediting digital transformation across East Africa.

The interface for collaboration and regional integration

EACO remains firmly positioned in coordinating the regional space for inclusive and sustainable growth through digital transformation. These instruments- the Advisory Council and General Assembly- pave the way for peer learning, policy alignment, and institutional collaboration enhancement among the telecommunications sector of East Africa.

As a participant in iPRIS, EACO plays a pivotal role in assisting national national regulatory authorities (NRAs) as they strive to implement their change initiatives in their respective countries.

For more updates from the EACO 1st Advisory Council and 30th General Assemblies, follow the official proceedings here

For more information on the role of Regional Regulatory Organisations (RROs) like EACO in iPRIS, click here

iPRIS is coordinated and implemented by SPIDER in strategic and technical partnership with 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).