Working group on broadband for the most vulnerable countries broadband for national development in four ldcs: Cambodia, Rwanda, Senegal and Vanuatu

Summary

Broadband Internet significantly benefits Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by addressing vulnerabilities, growing economies, and improving livelihoods. This report reviews broadband infrastructure development in Cambodia, Rwanda, Senegal, and Vanuatu, highlighting the diverse contexts of LDCs. The four countries have made notable progress in expanding broadband infrastructure, primarily driven by the private sector in competitive markets. Cambodia has one of the most competitive markets globally, with affordable prices and regulatory incentives. Rwanda aims for 95% 4G coverage by 2018 through a public-private partnership, while Vanuatu targets 98% coverage, supported by its universal access policy. Senegal’s incumbent operator invests heavily in network expansion, complemented by satellite broadband for remote areas.

Narrowband services, such as mobile applications for health, agriculture, and finance, have positively impacted these countries due to widespread coverage and ease of use. However, broadband’s potential remains underutilized due to digital literacy gaps, smartphone unaffordability, lack of relevant content, and limited policy-maker capacity. The report emphasizes the need for digital training, awareness, and a holistic vision for broadband’s cross-sectoral applications. It calls for enabling legislation to build digital economy trust, better coordination between governments, the private sector, and educational institutions, and improved monitoring and evaluation systems. Enhanced statistical systems are crucial for effective strategy formulation and policy adaptation to maximize broadband’s economic impacts.