Interview with Mrs. Bernice Edande Otye, Permanent Secretary of the Assembly of Telecommunications Regulators of Central Africa (ARTAC). By Nancy Onyango.

This interview has been edited for clarity.

Nancy Onyango: Hello Madam, please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at ARTAC?

Ms. Bernice: I'm Ms. Bernice Edande Otye, the Permanent Secretary of ARTAC, the Assembly of Telecommunications Regulators in Central Africa.

Nancy Onyango: Tell us a little about the organization.

Ms. Bernice: ARTAC was created in 2004, and today has 7 members, which are the national regulatory authorities of 7 Central African member states: ART of Cameroon, ARCEP of Gabon, TCHAD, RCA, ARPCE of Congo, ARPTC of the Democratic Republic of Congo, ORTEL of Equatorial Guinea.

Nancy Onyango: What are ARTAC's aims and means of action?

Ms. Bernice: ARTAC aims to reduce the digital divide and accelerate economic and social integration in the sub-region, through cooperation and harmonization of regulatory policies in the field of Information and Communication Technologies. To achieve these objectives, ARTAC carries out a number of activities. It is in charge of harmonizing its regulatory policies; it is also in charge of monitoring and implementing projects in the sub-region. It is responsible for defining a framework for coordinating the frequency spectrum among its member countries. ARTAC makes a point of strengthening the capacities of its members and others in the sector, by sharing experiences and organizing seminars and training workshops. Today, ARTAC has 4 working groups dealing with radio communication, legal and regulatory frameworks, Fin-tech, cybersecurity and governance. We are currently finalizing a flagship project. This involves the effective implementation of “free roaming” between Central African states. We started with the CEMAC member states, and we're going to continue this project with all the states involved.

Integration of the African telecommunications market

In addition to putting in place modern legislative and regulatory structures for the provision of telecommunications services in all the countries of the sub-region, ARTAC has set itself several objectives:

• Separation of powers

To encourage the separation of roles between political powers, regulatory authorities and licensees/service providers.

• Encourage competition

Encourage liberalization and competition projects, with a view to reforming networks and improving the efficiency of telecommunications services in the sub region.

• Connect rural areas

Encourage the development of policies to facilitate universal access and telecommunications penetration in rural and underserved areas of the sub region.

• HR capacity building

Encourage human resources and capacity building to address the shortage of local skilled labor.

Sustainable Data Infrastructure Webinar Highlights

On 19 June 2024, the Data Governance in Africa Initiative organised an online capacity-building webinar on sustainable data infrastructures in collaboration with GIZ, EstDev, and Smart Africa. This webinar underscored the necessity of robust data governance frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and technical considerations such as data standards, interoperability, and scalable architectures that can adapt to evolving technologies. It also addressed the environmental impact of data infrastructures, promoting energy-efficient technologies and responsible data management practices.

Panelists:

• Ott Velsberg, Chief Data Officer, Estonia
• Ndemo Bitango, Kenya's Ambassador to Belgium & EU
• Osman Issah, Manager for Resilient and Inclusive Digital Infrastructure, Smart Africa

Key Highlights from the Webinar:

Economic and social impact of data

Data is a vital asset with transformative potential across various sectors, contributing to economic growth and improved quality of life. It can promote inclusiveness and sustainability in industries. According to Dr. Ott Velsberg, "Data centers today on a global scale range from 5-9% of electricity consumption. In countries with large-scale operations, electricity consumption can be over 10% yearly." Effective data lifecycle management goes beyond just deleting old files. It involves implementing intelligent archiving processes with tiered storage technologies like tape libraries and object storage for ageing out cooler data. Automation ensures stale data gets permanently erased without tying up pricey disk storage.

Promoting green ICT

Data centers are major energy consumers, often overlooked as environmental polluters. Large data centers can use between 1-5 million gallons of water daily, comparable to the consumption of towns with 10,000-50,000 people. The tech industry needs to adopt "green ICT" practices, including energy-efficient hardware and renewable energy sources, to reduce the environmental footprint.

The webinar examined the rising demand for data storage and processing that is raising environmental concerns. Data centers consume significant amounts of electricity, with global consumption ranging from 5-9% and potentially exceeding 10% in some countries. This realization should prompt the tech industry to embrace "green ICT" practices and technologies designed to minimize the environmental footprint of our insatiable digital appetite. Osman Issah emphasized this as a key priority, stating, "We must incorporate green ICT practices, implementing energy efficiency technologies and practices for reducing the environmental impact of data centers."

The need for collaboration

The panelists emphasised the need for robust data governance frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and technical solutions like data standards, interoperability, and scalable architectures. Effective data management involves policies for archiving, deletion, and tiered storage to reduce energy consumption. Engaging all stakeholders, including marginalised communities, is key to building sustainable data infrastructures. According to Bitange Ndemo, "We must have Common Data Standards, Protocols and Interoperability Frameworks, especially in Africa, to enable data integration and harmonisation across different sources and domains."

The role of data in enhancing the quality of life

Government policies and incentives, academic analytical modeling, and community involvement are essential for true sustainability. In today's technologically driven world, data is establishing itself as a crucial asset with revolutionary power in many areas of the economy. Data enhances the quality of life by promoting economic growth and having a cross-sectoral influence. It has the potential to revolutionise industries in ways that promote inclusiveness and sustainability.

Multifaceted importance of sustainable data infrastructures

The sustainable data infrastructure webinar, underscored the multifaceted importance of sustainable data infrastructures. Robust data governance frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and advanced technical considerations are essential in the face of rapidly evolving technologies. The webinar highlighted the economic and social impact of data, emphasising its transformative potential across sectors and its role in promoting inclusiveness and sustainability.

Data is a revolutionary asset with the potential to significantly enhance quality of life. Through effective governance, innovative technical solutions, and concerted efforts towards sustainability, data can drive economic growth and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future.

The 2023 EACO Communications Sector Regional Report was launched on 24 June 2024 during the 29th Annual Assemblies and Extra Ordinary Congress of EACO  in Nairobi, Kenya. This 17-page report consolidates data analysed by the East Africa Communications Organisation (EACO) secretariat using inputs from the EACO databank. The indicators align with those reported in the ITU, ensuring consistency and reliability.

In the report foreword, Dr Ally Simba, Executive Secretary of EACO, explains, “Our region has witnessed remarkable advancements in network coverage, a surge in mobile and internet subscriptions, and notable growth in mobile money services. These developments have driven socio-economic growth, fostered digital inclusion, and enhanced connectivity across East Africa.”

Here are some highlights from the report:

EAC Telecom Statistics 2023

• Mobile Telephony: 100% penetration with 199.7 million subscribers.
• Internet Subscriptions: The EAC region has 122.3 million subscriptions.
• Mobile Money: The volume of mobile money subscriptions is estimated at 128.7 million subscribers.

Network Coverage

• 2G Coverage: 2G coverage has remained stable across the region, with a regional average of 92%. Countries like Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda maintain high coverage, ensuring basic communication services are widely accessible. Notably, Tanzania showed significant progress, increasing from 94% to 98%, attributed to continued infrastructure investments and rural coverage initiatives.
• 3G Coverage: The regional average increased from 71% to 78%. Kenya and Rwanda lead with almost universal 3G coverage, maintaining rates of 97% and 99%, respectively.
• 4G Coverage: There has been a significant increase in 4G coverage across the EAC member states. The average population coverage has risen from 52% to 62%, with Rwanda and Kenya leading the way with close to or exceeding 97% 4G coverage in 2023.

Telephone Subscriptions and Mobile Data Tariffs

The mobile industry in East Africa is experiencing significant growth, with the average mobile penetration rate across the region reaching 100% in 2023. This growth outpaces both the average of the ITU Africa region (92% in 2023, up from 82% in 2021) and the global average (111% in 2023, up from 107% in 2021).

East Africa is one of the fastest-growing mobile markets in the world, and this growth is expected to continue in the coming years. This presents a significant opportunity for mobile operators, handset manufacturers, and other players in the mobile ecosystem.

The influx of low-cost smartphones from Chinese manufacturers has made mobile phones more accessible to a wider population. Increased competition among mobile network operators and government interventions have also driven down data costs, making internet access more affordable.

Services like M-PESA in Kenya have created a financial ecosystem reliant on mobile phones. The average mobile internet penetration in the East African Community region increased from 49% in 2022 to 51% in 2023.

Mobile data prices have fallen significantly across East Africa between 2020 and 2023. The falling price of mobile data, combined with the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, suggests that mobile data is becoming the primary way people access the internet in East Africa.

Domestic Voice Traffic

The domestic voice traffic segment in the ICT sector across the East African market has exhibited diverse performance trends from 2022 to 2023.

• Kenya: Recorded a 13% growth in domestic voice traffic, rising from 78.13 billion minutes in 2022 to 88.65 billion minutes in 2023.
• Rwanda: Experienced a robust 20% growth in domestic voice traffic, climbing from 28.6 billion minutes in 2022 to 34.23 billion minutes in 2023.
• South Sudan: Saw a significant 31% increase in domestic voice traffic, from 4.12 billion minutes in 2022 to 5.53 billion minutes in 2023.
• Uganda: Voice traffic grew 7%, from 66.71 billion minutes in 2022 to 71.56 billion in 2023.

Key advancements in the EAC

The 2023 report highlights the significant progress in the telecommunications sector across the East African region. Key advancements in network coverage, mobile and internet subscriptions, and mobile money services have driven socio-economic growth, fostered digital inclusion, and enhanced connectivity. The East African mobile market continues to expand rapidly, presenting numerous opportunities for stakeholders. The falling data costs and increasing smartphone accessibility underscore the region's shift towards mobile data as the primary means of internet access. This growth trajectory is expected to persist, further solidifying East Africa's position as a dynamic and fast-growing telecommunications market.

The 29th Annual Assemblies and Extraordinary Congress of EACO will take place from 24-28 June 2024 at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Hosted by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), this event will provide a unique platform for EACO members and stakeholders to interact, network, exchange experiences, and share insights under the theme "Promoting Digital Transformation in the EAC Region." Delegates to these Assemblies will include policymakers, legislators, regulators, ICT sector operators/service providers, academia, and ICT consumers from across the East African region.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Bengt Mölleryd from SPIDER will deliver a keynote address during the high-level roundtable discussion on "Promoting Digital Transformation in the EAC Region" on the first day of the Assemblies. The roundtable will follow the official opening, presided over by Mr. Eliud Owalo, ICT Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, and the unveiling of EACO regional statistics. It will also feature prominent figures from Tanzania's Ministry of Information, Communications and Information Technology, Communications Regulators' Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), South Sudan's National Communications Authority (NCA), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Safaricom Kenya and the African Advanced Level Telecommunication Institute (AFRALTI).

The Assemblies will also feature workshops, committee and working group meetings, assemblies’ meetings, and an Extraordinary Congress over the course of the five days.

Download the programme here 

The 2024 AI for Good Global Summit, held in Geneva from 30 to 31 May, emphasised AI's role in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The AI for Good Global Summit is the leading action-oriented United Nations platform promoting AI to advance health, climate, gender, inclusive prosperity, sustainable infrastructure, and other global development priorities. AI for Good is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – the UN specialised agency for information and communication technology – in partnership with 40 UN sister agencies and co-convened with the government of Switzerland.

The summit emphasised the global community's concerns and hopes for AI by 2030, particularly regarding its focus on profit maximisation and social control. It aimed to harness AI's potential for positive change through collaborative efforts and stakeholder engagement.

Key Panels and Discussions

Opening Remarks by Doreen Bogdan-Martin

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU highlighted the digital divide and the potential of AI to drive safe, inclusive, and sustainable advancements. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin stressed the importance of inclusive and secure AI governance, highlighting the need to bridge the digital divide with 2.6 billion people still offline​“The AI genie is out of the bottle. And there's no putting it back. But I think there is hope. You have sent a strong message to the world that the future of AI is not yet written. And as we look to 2030 and milestones, like the summit of the future in September, and next year's WSIS + 20 review, I think now is the time. Now is the time that we have to redouble our efforts. Let's redouble our efforts. Let's make AI innovation inclusive. Let's build safe, secure trustworthy AI systems. And let's scale AI solutions so that we can rescue the SDGs.”

Future of AI by Azeem Azhar

Azeem Azhar, Founder of Exponential View unpacked the dual nature of AI as a technological boon and societal challenge, with applications in education, geospatial data, and language processing. "In Tanzania, an energy company used data from Atlas AI to identify 75,000 households who could benefit from solar-powered electricity."

Tristan Harris, co-founder and executive director of the Center for Humane Technology highlighted the risks and governance gaps in AI development. "There's a thousand to one gap between the collective resources going into increasing AI capabilities versus those that are increasing safety."

Climate Action, Economy and AI

Anna Koivuniemi, Head of Google DeepMind Impact Accelerator discussed AI's role in monitoring weather patterns, optimizing power grids, and developing biological systems to combat climate change. "There are much more important cases of extreme weather events like floods or forest fires that are today a reality; predicting them better may save lives."

Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF discussed AI's potential risks in labor markets, financial markets, and supply chains, particularly during economic downturns. "Companies tend to replace humans with automation during downturns, leading to job losses. AI could accelerate this trend."

Generative AI and Accessibility

Hao Li, CEO and Co-Founder of Pinscreen discussed the transformative potential and ethical considerations of generative AI. "Together with the World Economic Forum, we've developed the first real-time deep fake technology to showcase that it is possible actually to have live conversations with a fake person."

Chieko Asakawa, IBM Fellow discussed how  AI technology empowers people with disabilities, such as the AI Suitcase for the visually impaired.

Bridging the AI Divide

Dr. Hakim Hacid, Acting Chief Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) discussed the critical need to democratize AI and address the "AI divide" between nations and institutions. "These people who can access and use this AI are in a specific place of the globe, usually the northern hemisphere."

In conclusion, the 2024 AI for Good Global Summit underscored AI's immense potential to drive positive change across various sectors while highlighting the need for inclusive, ethical, and sustainable governance frameworks. The event fostered meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts to shape an AI-driven future that benefits all of humanity.

Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (I am because you are). Happy Africa Day!

As we commemorate Africa Day on May 25th, a significant event that celebrates achievements and acknowledges current progress towards Agenda 2063, we are reminded of the essence of Ubuntu. This African philosophy underscores the power of collaboration and the value of collective effort and resonates deeply with the collaborative spirit of iPRIS. 

AGENDA 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. It is the continent’s strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development and is a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity

iPRIS aims to bridge the digital divide by enhancing digital connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa and by creating opportunities for knowledge exchange amongst African countries and between the EU and Africa. Collaboration is the key to catalysing inclusive access and propelling digital opportunities to achieve prosperity and sustainability.

During the ongoing phase in Sweden, the second cohort of iPRIS,  consisting of national regulators of Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Lesotho, Mauritius, and the Gambia, actively engaged in peer-to-peer learning sessions. This interactive platform facilitated the sharing of experiences with their fellow African and European counterparts and fostered a deeper understanding of the regulatory landscape in the telecommunications sector in  Africa, Sweden (Swedish Post and Telecom Authority) and other countries in the  European Union.

For the past two weeks now, in the true spirit of Ubuntu,  the ICT regulators have been collaborating and boosting their technical abilities to shape and implement regulatory frameworks in the telecommunications sector in their respective countries.

The regulators have also evaluated their current country contexts and will work on change initiatives for the next 11 months. Change initiatives are strategic projects 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

iPRIS targets 43 African countries to enhance inclusive digital connectivity and drive socioeconomic prosperity through Information and Communication Technology (ICT). 

Dr. Caroline Wamala, Director of SPIDER, remarked, “iPRIS recognizes the crucial role of ICT policies and regulations in promoting digital inclusion, equitable internet access, consumer rights protection, and personal data safeguarding.”

The National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) participating in the iPRIS  2024  May peer to peer training session  in Sweden 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)
• Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
• Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS)

Spotlighting ICT Regulators on Africa Day

On Africa Day, iPRIS highlights the efforts of these national and regional ICT regulators in championing the importance of ICT for enhancing educational outcomes. Regional  and national regulators  from the 2023 A  and 2024 A cohort share their insights on leveraging digital technologies to drive development, enhance connectivity, and foster digital inclusion across the 43 countries involved in iPRIS.

The Importance of Africa’s Digital Revolution

About 60 percent of the Africa continent population is below  25 years. Africa's  has an opportunity to reap from the demographic divide and the digital evolution is recognized as a pivotal driver of socio-economic progress, creating employment opportunities, and improving overall well-being. The African Union (AU) emphasizes the transformative impact of digital technologies on the continent.African children and youth are at the forefront of this digital transformation. Access to quality education is fundamental for their development, and digital technologies provide opportunities to enhance the learning experience. However, educators need training, resources, and support to fully realise these benefits to integrate digital methods into their teaching. Schools must also have adequate resources and trained personnel to maintain and update technological equipment, ensuring its functionality and relevance. Empowering the learners with digital literacy skills is crucial to enable them to navigate an increasingly digitized world and participate meaningfully in the global economy.

Investments and policy interventions 

Successfully navigating these challenges requires comprehensive policy interventions, significant investment in infrastructure, and robust capacity-building initiatives. By addressing these issues, Africa can harness the transformative power of digital technologies to advance education, promote inclusive development, and bridge the digital divide. As Africa celebrates its achievements and looks forward to future progress on Africa Day, the role of digital technologies in driving socio-economic development is more critical than ever. Initiatives like iPRIS exemplify the collaborative efforts needed to foster digital inclusion and connectivity across the continent, ensuring that all Africans can participate in and benefit from the digital revolution.

About iPRIS 

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

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

The iPRIS project is implemented by SPIDER (the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions ), The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), and the Luxembourg Regulatory Institute (ILR). SPIDER coordinates the project and offers its expertise in the digital international development sector and in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). PTS is regulation content and policy lead for the project. ILR brings its expertise in European regulation and policy for the French speaking countries.

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).

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

Greetings, colleagues and partners

We're happy to unveil the first edition of the ICT Policy & Regulation – Institutional Strengthening (iPRIS) quarterly newsletter!

This newsletter will share updates and insights as the iPRIS project unfolds its transformative mission.

iPRIS aims to bridge the digital divide by boosting the capacities of African telecommunications regulatory authorities through peer-to-peer learning, in partnership with European counterparts. Designed as a dynamic capacity-building initiative, iPRIS is poised to revolutionise the landscape of National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and Regional Regulatory Organisations (RROs) across 43 African countries in the period 2023-2028.

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

iPRIS is dedicated to bolstering the capabilities and efficacy of ICT regulatory bodies. Through targeted interventions and peer-to-peer partnerships, iPRIS endeavours to foster an environment conducive to sustainable ICT growth and development.

Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, united in our commitment to bridge the digital divide in Africa!

Warm regards,

Dr. Caroline Wamala Larsson

Director, SPIDER

Read the newsletter  on LinkedIn here 

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. 

1. Abosede Olabimtam (Head of Procurement South& East Africa, General Manager Ericsson Zambia)

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)

6.  Moira Ayo Onek Leonzio (Special Programs Officer National Communications Authority (NCA) South Sudan)

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:

1. Underrepresentation in STEM Education: Like in other parts of the world, women and girls in Africa are often underrepresented in STEM education, which serves as a pathway to careers in ICT. Factors such as cultural norms, lack of access to quality education, and stereotypes about gender roles can contribute to this disparity.
2. Workforce Participation: Women's participation in the ICT workforce in Africa varies by country and region. In many African countries, women are underrepresented in technical roles within the ICT sector, such as software development and engineering. However, women may be more represented in non-technical roles such as project management and administration.
3. Access to Digital Skills Training: Women and girls in Africa may face barriers to accessing digital skills training and ICT education programs. These barriers can include limited access to technology and internet connectivity, as well as cultural and socio-economic factors that may discourage girls from pursuing ICT-related fields.
4. Entrepreneurship and Leadership: Women are often underrepresented in ICT entrepreneurship and leadership positions in Africa. While there are initiatives aimed at promoting women's entrepreneurship and leadership in the ICT sector, such as mentorship programs and networking opportunities, more efforts are needed to address systemic barriers and biases.
5. Gender Pay Gap: Limited data is available on the gender pay gap specifically within the ICT sector in Africa. However, broader studies on gender pay disparities in the region suggest that women often earn less than men across various industries, including technology and ICT.

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:

1. What are the key challenges in regulations that hinder innovation and digital transformation in the communications sector?
2. How can regulatory flexibility and agility be achieved when digital technologies evolve rapidly?
3. What are emerging technologies' potential risks and benefits, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G? How can innovation regulation maximise the benefits while mitigating the risks?
4. How do the rapidly evolving digital technologies and services impact competition policy?
5. How can innovative regulations foster expedited and secure cross-border flows of data, financial transactions, and merchandise to support regional and global e-commerce and trade?
6. How do differing cybersecurity and consumer protection approaches in various Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries affect innovation in cross-border digital services and products?
7. What is the role of digital ethics and data privacy in digital regulations, and how can they be integrated with the regulation to achieve responsible innovation?

The Provisional Conference programme can be accessed on the link:

https://events.crasa.org/media/INOVATION-FOR-BETTER-REGULATION-CONFERENCE-PROVISIONAL-PROGRAM_001.pdf

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 :