Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP) is poised to transform the digital landscape across Eastern Africa by enhancing connectivity and accessibility. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding high-speed internet and modern communication systems to rural and underserved areas.
By lowering the cost of internet access, particularly in landlocked countries where prices are higher, EARDIP will make digital services more affordable and accessible. This expansion is crucial for ensuring more people can participate in the digital economy and improving access to essential services such as e-commerce, online education, and telemedicine.
Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP) also focuses on creating a unified digital framework to strengthen regional integration and enhance cybersecurity. The project will establish a comprehensive digital network and harmonise ICT regulations to facilitate smoother cross-border communication and trade. Additionally, it will implement a regional cybersecurity framework to protect digital infrastructure and users from threats.
By developing interoperable payment systems and supporting legal frameworks for remote transactions, EARDIP aims to make cross-border trade more efficient and cost-effective. These efforts will promote a more cohesive regional market, drive economic growth, and position Eastern Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
The Somali government is committed to enhancing its digital infrastructure by strengthening the regulatory framework for submarine cable landings. That initiative is part of a broader strategy to align Somalia’s telecommunications policies with international standards and support the country’s economic development objectives.
To advance this goal, the National Communications Authority (NCA), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has organised a consultation workshop from 10 September to 11. The workshop focuses on critical issues such as licensing, environmental considerations, and infrastructure sharing, aiming to create a more robust and efficient regulatory environment for submarine cables.
As Somalia is already connected by five international submarine cables—2Africa, Djibouti Africa Regional Express 1 (DARE 1), Eastern Africa Submarine System (EASSy), Gulf2Africa (G2A), and PEACE—and is set to join the Africa-1 cable network by late 2024, the government’s regulatory improvements are poised to bolster the country’s digital connectivity significantly. The enhanced framework aims to streamline the process of introducing additional submarine cables, which is expected to lower internet costs and broaden access.
The World Bank’s research indicates that each doubling of international capacity typically results in a 7% reduction in fixed broadband prices and a 13% decrease in mobile internet costs. These changes will make internet services more affordable and accessible, fostering greater economic growth and social development across Somalia.
The GSMA and Connect Europe underscore the urgent need for Europe to enhance its digital infrastructure to remain globally competitive. They highlight that current over-regulation and structural issues are stifling investment and innovation within the telecom sector.
Supporting Mario Draghi’s recommendations, they advocate for a revised EU Telecoms Act and a new industrial strategy to create a more conducive environment for growth. Furthermore, they emphasise the importance of scaling the telecom sector to effectively compete with major global players such as the US and China. Reforms to merger regulations are essential to prevent Europe from falling further behind in the global digital economy.
Reducing regulatory burdens is also needed to better align with market dynamics, promote investment, and encourage innovation. This includes implementing fair competition rules for telecom operators and Big Tech companies to ensure equitable commercial outcomes.
The GSMA and Connect Europe also urge the adoption of harmonised spectrum licensing procedures across member states to stimulate growth and encourage cross-border investment. They advocate for longer-duration licenses and fewer restrictions to create a unified market and enhance regulatory alignment. Additionally, they stress the need for immediate legislative action to address these issues, secure Europe’s digital and economic future, and prevent further decline in competitiveness in an increasingly digital and globalised world.
The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action to address digital poverty in the UK, stressing that millions of individuals and families lack access to essential digital resources. According to recent data, up to 19 million adults and 1 in 5 children are affected, underscoring a significant gap in digital inclusion that needs immediate attention. The DPA’s CEO, Elizabeth Anderson, emphasises that as digital technology becomes more integral to everyday life, access to digital devices, broadband connectivity, and digital skills should be considered fundamental rights.
DPA’s recent initiatives, including Tech4Families and Tech4Youth, focus on bridging the digital divide by providing access to devices, internet connectivity, and essential digital skills training. These programs are crucial for supporting underserved communities and helping them overcome the barriers posed by digital poverty. By targeting families, young people, and young carers, the DPA aims to ensure that those most in need receive the support required to participate fully in the digital world.
DPA’s End Digital Poverty Day raises awareness and drives action against digital exclusion. In collaboration with Currys and Virgin Media O2, the DPA emphasises the urgency of eliminating digital poverty by 2030, underscoring digital access as a fundamental right and calling for broad support to bridge the digital divide.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have formed a strategic partnership to leverage data and technology to transform Nigeria’s digital landscape, aligning closely with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’ By combining NITDA’s expertise in digital transformation with NBS’s data-driven insights, the collaboration is expected to significantly improve public service delivery, drive sustainable economic growth, and enhance policy-making.
In particular, the partnership focuses on data exchange and integration, facilitating more informed decisions across sectors such as infrastructure development, resource allocation, and urban planning, ensuring that initiatives are grounded in accurate and timely data. Moreover, the partnership emphasises fostering innovation and economic growth.
NITDA and NBS aim to create a digital ecosystem that supports tech startups and entrepreneurship, positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. That collaboration is designed to attract foreign investment and create job opportunities, contributing to long-term economic prosperity.
Additionally, the partnership is committed to bridging the digital divide through digital skills development. By promoting digital literacy and modernising data processes with tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), NITDA and NBS will enhance decision-making and governance while empowering more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy and fostering inclusive growth.
The South African Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) has expressed concerns about the ‘Next Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy for Economic Development,’ specifically regarding how SMMEs will gain access to high-demand spectrum. While the policy aims to broaden access, ISPA emphasises the need for precise mechanisms that allow smaller enterprises to provide affordable mobile data services.
In addition, efficient spectrum allocation to SMMEs could significantly drive economic recovery and increase competition, thereby challenging the dominance of major players in South Africa like Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom. Moreover, ISPA commends the policy’s emphasis on expanding Wi-Fi networks, particularly in low-income areas, as this is a crucial element in improving affordable internet access. Furthermore, it recognises the potential of community networks to address universal internet access, helping to bridge the digital divide and connect underserved communities more effectively.
The Internet Service Providers’ Association also welcomes the policy’s provision for offering free monthly data to indigent households, urging that clear qualification criteria be established. By reducing the cost of communication, this measure could help more South Africans access digital services. ISPA further notes the importance of reviewing universal service obligations (USOs) to ensure that mobile network operators contribute to the policy’s broader goals of increasing access and affordability, particularly for low-income and rural communities.
Mauritius has launched the Mobil ID digital identity card as a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey. That initiative allows citizens to manage personal information, such as updating addresses or reporting lost physical IDs and supports secure electronic document signing. Designed with dual authentication features, the Mobil ID enhances security and protects against identity theft while streamlining administrative processes for businesses and government agencies.
The launch of the Mobil ID is a key component of the broader ‘Digital Mauritius 2030’ strategy. The ambitious initiative aims to transform the country into a digitally-driven economy by enhancing digital infrastructure, expanding 5G networks, modernising public services, and developing digital skills. The Mauritian government is committed to maintaining technological advancement while ensuring robust data protection, which positions the nation at the forefront of digital innovation and demonstrates its leadership in advancing technology across Africa.
Mauritius has also become the first African country to adopt a digital identity card that meets international ISO standards. Developed in collaboration with Thales and Harel Mallac Technologies, the Mobil ID sets a new benchmark for digital identity systems in the region, reflecting Mauritius’s commitment to leading digital innovation.
TechUK calls on the government to address the critical issue of digital adoption among SMEs, which has been identified as a major barrier to economic growth and competitiveness. The organisation’s recent report underscores that over a quarter of UK SMEs still lack basic digital tools, impeding their productivity and ability to integrate advanced technologies like AI. By prioritising SME digitisation, the government can help close this gap, potentially adding up to £232 billion to the UK economy and enhancing the country’s position as a leading global economy.
To achieve this, TechUK recommends implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes creating a cross-departmental Forum to coordinate digital initiatives, appointing a Minister specifically responsible for digitisation, and developing a detailed digital adoption plan with clear targets for 2030. Expanding the Made Smarter Adoption programme to cover a broader range of sectors is crucial for ensuring that SMEs receive the necessary support to embrace digital technologies and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
TechUK urges the government to prioritise digital adoption to keep UK businesses competitive. Without basic tools, SMEs struggle with advanced technologies like AI. A strong support framework is needed to help SMEs overcome these challenges and embrace future tech.
Thailand is set to auction spectrum in the 2.1 GHz and 2.3 GHz bands in the first quarter of 2025. This strategic initiative is part of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) broader spectrum management strategy for 2025-2030. By making these frequencies available, Thailand aims to advance its telecommunications infrastructure, supporting the development of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and setting the stage for future 6G systems.
The current licenses for the 2.1 GHz and 2.3 GHz bands, held by National Telecom (NT), will expire in September 2025. Despite NT’s request for an extension, private operators such as True Corporation and Advanced Info Service (AIS) are advocating for an auction due to high demand and the need to facilitate the transition to next-generation networks. That push highlights the importance of these spectrum bands in meeting the growing demands of telecom operators and advancing Thailand’s technological capabilities.
In addition to the upcoming auction, Thailand’s spectrum management strategy includes future plans for the 3.5 GHz band currently used by digital TV broadcasters. The NBTC plans to auction this band in 2027, aligning with recommendations from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that favour its use for mobile networks. The transition of this spectrum from digital TV to mobile use will further support Thailand’s efforts to enhance its 5G capabilities and prepare for the next generation of telecommunications technology.
SoftBank Corp. and Nokia have embarked on a groundbreaking partnership to advance communication technologies, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 10 September 2024. This collaboration focuses on developing AI-driven Radio Access Networks (AI-RAN) and exploring 6G technologies. Leveraging Nokia’s virtualised Cloud RAN platform and conducting field tests with centimetre waves, which are crucial for 6G, the partnership aims to push the boundaries of current communication systems.
The joint effort by SoftBank and Nokia is set to transform connectivity by delivering faster, more flexible, and wider-range solutions. This innovation could revolutionise various sectors, such as smart cities, industrial automation, and new business models. The goal is to address the growing demand for high-speed and adaptable communication networks, significantly impacting societal and economic landscapes.
In this collaboration, SoftBank will apply its extensive experience as a network operator, while Nokia will contribute its global leadership in network technologies. Together, they aim to achieve high-speed, reliable, and elastic communication networks, addressing the challenges of the digital society and advancing the telecommunications industry.
