The digital divide in Africa is one of the most pressing development challenges of our time. With over half of Africa's population still offline, the continent faces a unique set of challenges, including the lack of sufficient infrastructure, high connectivity costs, inadequate digital skills, and regulatory bottlenecks. However, these challenges are not insurmountable. By addressing these gaps through carefully crafted policies and effective regulation, African nations can open the door to the transformative potential of the internet for all their citizens.

Universal internet access is not merely a convenience, but a fundamental prerequisite for socio-economic development, political inclusion, and global competitiveness. Yet, across the African continent, over 60% of the population remains offline, grappling with a digital divide that inhibits access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and governance. This digital exclusion undermines Africa’s ability to fully leverage its demographic and technological potential. It is thus crucial for policy and regulatory frameworks to be designed and implemented strategically to bridge this gap.

Policy and regulation in the telecommunications and ICT sectors are at the heart of Africa's digital transformation. Governments play a critical role in shaping the infrastructure, affordability, and accessibility of internet services, yet the absence of coherent, forward-thinking policies has hindered progress in many parts of the continent. Where robust and inclusive regulations have been implemented, however, countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania have demonstrated that policy and regulation can be powerful catalysts for universal internet access. These examples offer valuable lessons for other African nations seeking to replicate this success.

Objective

The primary objective of this session is to analyze how targeted policies and regulations have advanced (or hindered) universal internet access in African nations, with a focus on Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The session seeks to identify best practices, draw lessons, and propose policy recommendations that could enhance internet accessibility across the continent.

Expected outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role that policy and regulation play in achieving universal internet access across Africa. They will be equipped with practical insights from successful case studies in Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya, highlighting the impact of well-crafted regulatory frameworks in overcoming barriers to connectivity. By dissecting case studies and actionable recommendations, the session will equip policymakers, private sector actors, and civil society organizations with practical frameworks to advance universal internet access. It will foster collaboration among stakeholders, creating a platform for sustained dialogue and regional cooperation, ultimately contributing to Africa's digital transformation and socio-economic development.