Exploring Policy Implementation Details for Community Networks in Africa

Exploring Policy Implementation Details for Community Networks in Africa
This note comprehensively analyzes policy implementation details for African community networks, focusing on the legal, regulatory, and operational frameworks necessary to support these initiatives. Community networks are locally managed telecommunications systems that provide internet access to underserved communities, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. Their success is heavily dependent on supportive policies, and this round table draws on examples from across the continent to outline key implementation details.
Background and Importance
Community networks are emerging as a vital solution to bridge Africa's digital divide, where over 60% of the population remains offline despite growth in internet access. These networks, built and operated by citizens, address connectivity gaps in underserved urban, remote, and rural areas, contributing to local economies, workforce development, and social connections. This African Internet Governance Roundtable will highlight their potential, emphasizing the need for policy stability and collaboration among stakeholders.
Legal Recognition and Licensing
A critical policy implementation detail is the legal recognition of community networks as legitimate telecommunications providers. This involves defining what constitutes a community network and ensuring they are included in national broadband strategies. For instance, research suggests that countries like South Africa and Kenya have specific licenses, making it easier for local communities to set up networks, as seen at the South Africa Policy and the Kenya Policy. Simplified licensing processes or exemptions are essential to reduce entry barriers, particularly for non-profit or community-owned entities. The Internet Society's report, "Supporting the Creation and Scalability of Affordable Access Solutions," recommends fast-track experimental licenses to ensure efficient startup, accessible at the Internet Society Report.
Spectrum Allocation
Access to appropriate spectrum is another key detail, with policies needing to allocate bands suitable for community networks, preferably license-exempt, to lower costs.
Round Table on Community Networks: Key Expected Outcomes
The Round Table Model shall be a Qua-triple Helix Model involving all major stakeholders.
This round table aims to drive meaningful connectivity in Africa by:
Defining "Meaningful Connectivity": Beyond access, prioritizing affordability, quality, relevance, digital skills, and safety.
Mapping the Landscape: Identifying successful models, challenges, technologies, and stakeholders.
Addressing Challenges & Opportunities: Focusing on regulatory barriers, funding, infrastructure, skills, and scaling strategies.
Creating Actionable Strategies: Providing concrete recommendations for policymakers, funders, and operators.
Building a Collaborative Network: Establishing a platform for knowledge sharing and sustained collaboration.
Documenting & Disseminating Outcomes: Producing a report and public resources to drive action.

Integrating AI and Data Governance into West Africa DPI (5 ISOC CHAPTERS COLLABORATION)

The session will explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI), data governance, and innovation as catalysts for sustainable development across the diverse nations of West Africa. In an era where the global digital revolution is redefining economies and societies, AI and emerging technologies hold unparalleled promise to accelerate progress and tackle the region’s most persistent challenges—poverty, inequality, and limited access to essential services. Yet, this promise comes with profound questions: How do we ensure that these advancements serve all West Africans, from urban tech hubs to remote rural villages, and how do we address the complex barriers that stand in the way?
This interactive roundtable discussion is designed to bring together a dynamic mix of voices—policymakers, technologists, private sector innovators, academics, and civil society leaders—to grapple with these issues and co-create actionable solutions. Our objectives are clear and ambitious:
Strategic Alignment: To explore how national AI strategies can be developed and implemented to reflect both the unique needs of individual West African countries and the shared aspirations of regional frameworks like the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Ethical Governance: To examine the policies and frameworks required to ensure data governance that is secure, ethical, and equitable, respecting the region’s rich diversity of cultures, languages, and legal traditions.

Inclusive Innovation: To investigate how technological innovations can drive economic growth and social inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind in West Africa’s digital transformation.

Through an open and collaborative dialogue, this session will dive into five critical policy questions that will shape the future of AI and innovation in our region:
How can West African countries craft national AI strategies that not only align with continental goals but also address local realities—such as uneven infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and economic disparities—that differ from one nation to the next?

What data governance policies are needed to strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding privacy, security, and ethical standards in a region where regulatory capacity varies and legal systems diverge?

How can governments and the private sector collaborate to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that AI-driven solutions reach both urban centers and rural communities, transcending linguistic, cultural, and geographic barriers?

What role can regional cooperation play—through entities like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)—in harmonizing AI and data policies to unlock cross-border innovation and strengthen economic integration?

This session is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action.

Community Network in Africa

This round table session will focus on the critical role of community networks in addressing the digital divide and fostering digital inclusion. The session will explore how community-driven initiatives can bridge the infrastructure gap, providing affordable and accessible internet connectivity in underserved areas. Participants will discuss the empowerment of local communities through ownership and decision-making in network operations, as well as the importance of digital literacy and skills development programs. Moreover, the session will highlight how community networks promote and preserve local content and culture while advocating for policy changes at regional and national levels to create a more equitable and connected world.

Advancing West Africa’s Digital Future through the Global Digital Compact

Advancing West Africa’s Digital Future through the Global Digital Compact is a session proposed and accepted for the West Africa Internet Governance Forum 2025

This session is targeted towards every stakeholder in the WA IGF community