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From landlocked to digitally connected: WSIS Forum 2026 explores pathways for LLDCs

Connectivity as a development imperative

Digital connectivity must become a central pillar of development strategies for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), speakers at a high-level dialogue at WSIS Forum 2026 on the Awaza Programme of Action 2024–2034 agreed, arguing that digital transformation can help overcome many of the structural disadvantages associated with geography.

Moderated by Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, UN Resident Coordinator in Angola, the discussion brought together government ministers, international organisations, development banks, and private sector representatives to examine how connectivity can accelerate sustainable development in the 32 LLDCs, home to more than 620 million people. Mukwashi noted that while distance from seaports has historically translated into higher trade costs and infrastructure deficits, the digital era offers an opportunity to ‘redefine what it means to be landlocked.’

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, argued that connectivity should be viewed as a moral imperative rather than simply a technical challenge.

‘Digital transformation is not about replacing human judgement with algorithms,’ he said. ‘It is about amplifying human capacity through data, speed, and reach.’

He outlined three pillars for successful digital transformation: resilient digital infrastructure, digital skills and capacity development, and trusted governance frameworks covering cybersecurity, privacy, and inclusive digital services. ‘Connectivity is not a luxury, it is a utility,’ Zavazava stressed, adding that digital transformation must leave no one behind “not by accident, but by design.”

Closing the digital divide

A video message from Rabab Fatima, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, highlighted the scale of the challenge. Only 39% of people in LLDCs used the internet in 2024, compared with the global average of 68%, leaving around 359 million people offline.

Fatima described digital exclusion as a ‘new dimension of landlockedness’, arguing that inadequate connectivity increasingly limits access to economic opportunities, public services, and innovation. She called for stronger regulatory frameworks, increased blended finance, and the proposed Infrastructure Investment Financing Facility (IIFF) under the Awaza Programme to mobilise investment in broadband, digital public infrastructure, data centres, and digital skills.

Representing the group of LLDCs, Mirzo Khurshed of Tajikistan emphasised that digital connectivity affects far more than technology.

‘Connectivity is not only about technology, it is also about trade, jobs, education, health, and economic growth,’ he said. While digital technologies cannot change geography, they can reduce many of its disadvantages by improving access to services and enabling participation in regional and global digital markets.

Regional cooperation and financing

Several ministers highlighted the practical barriers faced by landlocked countries.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Tatenda Anastacia Mavetera, identified financing as the primary obstacle to implementing national AI and digital transformation strategies. She called for greater regional cooperation, including shared computing infrastructure and collective investment in digital resources.

Botswana’s Minister David Tshere noted that all of the country’s internet bandwidth must transit through neighbouring states, resulting in costs almost four times higher than those faced by coastal countries. He argued that governments must continue investing in ICT infrastructure while strengthening partnerships with the private sector.

Namibia’s Minister Emma Inamutila Theofelus positioned her country as a potential regional digital hub, highlighting its submarine cable landings, port infrastructure, and bilateral cooperation with Botswana, including passport-free travel and the elimination of roaming charges. She invited neighbouring countries to invest in data centres and digital infrastructure, presenting Namibia as ‘a regional digital corridor’ for Southern Africa.

Regional cooperation was also a priority for Paraguay. Ambassador Raúl Cano Ricciardi explained that Paraguay depends entirely on fibre connections through neighbouring countries to access international submarine cables, making cross-border infrastructure and diversified connectivity routes essential for resilience and affordability.

Public-private partnerships

Development partners and industry representatives argued that achieving universal connectivity will require much greater private investment, supported by public financing and regulatory reforms.

EU Ambassador Deike Potzel outlined how the Global Gateway initiative is supporting satellite connectivity, cross-border fibre infrastructure, and investment guarantees designed to reduce project risks and attract private capital. She stressed the importance of regional cooperation, combining physical infrastructure with regulatory reforms and building pipelines of bankable digital projects.

The World Bank’s Sangbu Kim announced the creation of a new Digital Access Fund, combining concessional finance and public-private partnership mechanisms to encourage investment in underserved markets. He argued that infrastructure investments must be accompanied by policies that stimulate demand for digital services in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Private sector speakers echoed these priorities. Ahmed Riad Ismail, Vice President of Global Standardisation at Huawei, said the company’s rural connectivity initiatives had connected more than 170 million people across 80 countries, exceeding its original Partner2Connect commitment. He stressed that governments, operators, technology providers, and international organisations all have complementary roles in expanding connectivity.

Representing MTN, Lele Modise argued that digital infrastructure should now be viewed as essential economic infrastructure, alongside roads, ports, and power networks. She warned that the greatest barrier is not a lack of opportunity but insufficient risk-adjusted capital to move projects from concept to implementation. Predictable regulatory frameworks, transparent licensing, and investment de-risking would be critical to attracting long-term private investment, she said.

Turning ambition into implementation

Throughout the dialogue, speakers repeatedly returned to a common message that the Awaza Programme provides a shared roadmap, but success will depend on implementation rather than commitments alone.

Closing the session, Zavazava reaffirmed that connectivity is ‘not only a technical goal, but a catalyst for economic transformation, regional integration, and sustainable development.’ Delivering on that vision, he said, will require political leadership, innovative financing, strong partnerships, and coordinated action across governments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector.

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Africa urged to turn WSIS+20 commitments into measurable digital progress

African policymakers, civil society leaders, academics, and technology experts used a WSIS Forum 2026 session to argue that the continent already has the strategies needed for digital transformation but now faces a more pressing challenge: implementation. Organised by the Africa ICT Alliance (AFICTA) and Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the discussion focused on how the WSIS+20 outcome document can help translate global digital commitments into practical action across Africa.

Speakers repeatedly stressed that digital transformation requires more than policy declarations. They called for coordinated investment, stronger digital infrastructure, measurable outcomes, and greater collaboration among governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society. Throughout the session, participants returned to a common message that Africa’s digital future will depend not on adopting more strategies, but on delivering tangible results.

From commitments to implementation

Afework Temtime, of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), argued that Africa does not suffer from a lack of digital frameworks, but from the absence of coordinated implementation.

‘Africa needs an implementation roadmap, not another declaration,’ he said while presenting UNECA’s Africa 2035 Digital Implementation Roadmap, which translates the WSIS+20 outcome document into nine thematic pillars tailored to the continent’s priorities.

The roadmap identifies major obstacles to digital transformation, including limited connectivity, financing shortages, digital skills gaps, weak regulatory harmonisation, data governance challenges, and insufficient institutional coordination. It also proposes policy actions to address these issues while aligning national efforts with broader initiatives such as the Global Digital Compact and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Temtime also emphasised that implementation requires accountability. UNECA has proposed a set of 15 priority indicators, along with a unified reporting template, to help African countries measure progress consistently and reduce overlapping reporting obligations.

‘Measurement is the bridge between political commitments and delivery,’ he said, arguing that comparable data will enable governments to identify gaps, learn from one another, and adjust policies more effectively.

Nigeria highlights national reforms

Representing NITDA, Acting Director-General Dr Dimie Shively Wariowei outlined Nigeria’s efforts to implement the WSIS+20 agenda through national reforms and capacity-building initiatives.

He noted that the ICT sector now contributes between 13% and 14% of Nigeria’s GDP and highlighted several recent initiatives, including reforms to the National Identity Management Act, broader digital government reforms, and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, which aims to train three million people in emerging digital technologies by 2027.

Wariowei also pointed to Nigeria’s leadership role in the Digital Economy Accelerator Programme (DEAP), which seeks to coordinate digital transformation efforts across Africa through regional cooperation.

Despite this progress, he acknowledged that many countries continue to face persistent challenges, including infrastructure deficits, financing gaps, unequal digital access, gender disparities, and limited digital literacy.

Measuring outcomes instead of activity

One of the strongest recurring themes was the need to shift from measuring activities to measuring impact.

Christiana Onoja, co-founder and CEO of SheCode.ai, argued that Africa has no shortage of digital ambition, but lacks three critical ingredients: accessible computing infrastructure, locally developed AI, and reliable measurement of progress.

She highlighted the scale of the continent’s infrastructure gap, noting that Africa hosts only 0.6% of global data centre capacity and roughly 0.2% of global AI computing resources, leaving researchers waiting days to access computing resources that are available within minutes elsewhere.

‘This is not just an infrastructure problem,’ she argued. ‘It is a question of power.’

Onoja also warned that language inclusion remains a major challenge. Although Africa is home to more than 2,000 languages, only a small fraction are meaningfully represented in today’s leading AI models.

‘When AI enters hospitals, schools and public services, this becomes a question of trust, inclusion and safety,’ she said, calling for greater investment in African-language AI models alongside sovereign computing infrastructure.

To strengthen accountability, Onoja proposed creating a WSIS Implementation Maturity Index covering all 11 WSIS Action Lines, allowing governments to measure outcomes rather than simply counting workshops, policies, or declarations.

Digital inclusion must reach underserved communities

Civil society representatives argued that digital transformation will remain incomplete unless it addresses structural inequalities, particularly those faced by women and rural communities.

Martha Alade, President of Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), said her organisation has reached more than 1.25 million beneficiaries through community-based STEM education programmes across Nigeria, including conflict-affected regions.

However, she stressed that digital inclusion requires more than training.

‘No amount of training can compensate for exclusion from foundational digital infrastructure,’ she said, calling for greater access to digital identity systems, affordable internet connectivity, financial services, and coordinated partnerships across sectors.

Alade also argued that education systems should place greater emphasis on problem-solving rather than memorisation and urged governments to collect disaggregated data capable of measuring genuine transformation rather than simply recording participation.

Evangeline Iwenjiora of the Ivyline Care Foundation echoed these concerns, emphasising that women in rural communities remain excluded by poor connectivity and unreliable electricity.

She argued that educating women creates benefits that extend throughout families and communities, making inclusive digital literacy programmes a key investment for long-term development.

Universities need stronger industry links

Professor Abayomi Jegede highlighted progress within Nigeria’s higher education sector, including curriculum reforms that have expanded specialised programmes in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and related disciplines.

Yet he warned that universities continue to face significant barriers.

Many institutions still lack access to advanced computing infrastructure such as GPUs, academic staff often possess strong theoretical knowledge but limited practical experience, and collaboration between universities and industry remains insufficient.

Jegede also identified brain drain as a major challenge, with many of Africa’s most talented graduates and researchers leaving for opportunities abroad.

He called for stronger partnerships between universities and industry, including practical placements that would allow academics to gain hands-on experience before returning to teach students.

Collaboration as the path forward

Despite highlighting numerous challenges, speakers remained optimistic that Africa possesses the foundations needed to accelerate digital transformation.

Rather than calling for new strategies, participants consistently argued that success will depend on stronger implementation, better measurement, sustained investment, and genuine multistakeholder cooperation.

The session concluded with broad agreement that governments, technical experts, businesses, civil society organisations, and academic institutions must align their efforts around common priorities if the ambitions of the WSIS+20 outcome document are to translate into real improvements in connectivity, digital inclusion, AI capacity, and economic development across the continent.

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WSIS Forum 2026 opens with calls to turn digital commitments into action

The WSIS Forum 2026 opened in Geneva with a high-level appeal for stronger international cooperation to ensure that AI and digital transformation benefit everyone, not just the countries leading the technology race. Leaders from governments, the UN, academia, and civil society argued that the next phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) must focus on implementing long-standing commitments on connectivity, digital inclusion, and AI governance rather than creating new principles.

Moderated by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the opening plenary brought together UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, Estonian President Alar Karis, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi, and AI Academy Asia CEO Bolor-Erdene Battsengel to discuss how leadership can shape a more inclusive digital future.

Multilateral cooperation remains essential

Opening the discussion, Annalena Baerbock warned that multilateralism is under increasing pressure, making the recently adopted WSIS+20 consensus resolution an important demonstration that countries can still work together on digital issues.

She argued that AI governance cannot be separated from broader development challenges, stressing that discussions about responsible AI have little meaning where people still lack reliable internet access or electricity.

‘We can have the best AI governance systems in the world, but they will not matter if millions remain disconnected,’ she suggested, pointing to Tanzania’s digital health initiatives, which have connected almost two million people with healthcare services through WSIS-supported projects.

Baerbock also called for stronger cross-regional partnerships and warned that digital inequality increasingly intersects with broader challenges relating to development, peace, and human rights.

Estonia outlines principles for trusted digital governance

President Alar Karis shared Estonia’s experience as one of the world’s most digitally advanced governments, presenting five principles for building trusted digital societies.

According to Karis, digital infrastructure should remain open, secure, and interoperable, while governments should embrace inclusive multistakeholder governance involving the private sector, civil society, academia, and technical communities. He also stressed that human rights must be protected online just as they are offline, digital development should include skills and literacy alongside connectivity, and global initiatives such as WSIS and the Global Digital Compact should reinforce rather than duplicate one another.

Karis also highlighted Estonia’s investments in AI education, noting that all upper secondary school teachers and students are now being introduced to AI tools and literacy as part of a nationwide programme.

Kazakhstan showcases rapid digital transformation

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev outlined his country’s digital transformation strategy, describing digital infrastructure as the foundation for economic growth.

More than 90% of Kazakhstan’s public services are now available online, he said, supported by a digital ecosystem that includes over 2,000 technology companies and dedicated digital leadership across government ministries.

Madiyev also highlighted recent legislative reforms, including a constitutional amendment protecting digital rights and personal data, alongside plans to build one gigawatt of AI computing capacity within the next three to five years.

He argued that AI should increasingly be viewed as basic infrastructure, comparable to electricity, water, and internet connectivity, rather than simply another emerging technology.

Compassion must become part of AI

The session’s strongest moral appeal came from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi, who challenged participants to think beyond technical capabilities and focus instead on whom AI ultimately serves.

Satyarthi argued that technology is never neutral because it reflects the values of those who create it. He urged developers to embed compassion, justice, and human dignity directly into AI systems, particularly for the benefit of vulnerable children.

One of his most striking proposals was that AI engineers should spend time working with children living in poverty, conflict zones, or remote communities before designing new systems.

‘When they return to their laboratories,’ he suggested, ‘they will write different code.’

His proposal received immediate support from Bolor-Erdene Battsengel, who said she would gladly encourage her own engineers to participate.

AI skills become the new economic infrastructure

Battsengel argued that digital inclusion today depends as much on skills as on connectivity.

Drawing on AI Academy Asia’s work across Mongolia and Central Asia, she described how training around 1,000 teachers enabled those educators to introduce AI tools to approximately 50,000 children living in remote communities.

Rather than treating AI education as a standalone technical programme, she described it as an investment in future economic competitiveness.

‘We no longer simply train people to use AI,’ she explained. ‘We build economic opportunity.’

Kazakhstan similarly reported training around one million people in AI-related skills during the past year and announced plans to launch a dedicated AI University later in 2026.

From dialogue to delivery

Closing speakers from UNESCO, UNCTAD, and UNDP argued that the international community should now shift from discussing digital inclusion to implementing it.

UNESCO stressed that people, not technology, remain at the centre of the WSIS vision, while UNDP highlighted ongoing work supporting national AI strategies and public-sector capacity development across dozens of countries.

Meanwhile, UNCTAD warned that although the world is expected to invest around $800 billion in AI infrastructure this year, most of that investment remains concentrated in a small number of countries. Developing economies, speakers argued, risk arriving ‘after the rules have already been written’ unless international cooperation accelerates.

The session concluded with broad agreement that the next phase of WSIS should focus less on developing new declarations and more on delivering measurable progress in connectivity, AI skills, trusted digital infrastructure, and inclusive governance.

Twenty years after the original WSIS process began, participants agreed that the challenge is no longer defining a vision for an inclusive information society, but ensuring that vision becomes reality.

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AI governance must serve all countries, ministers tell UN Global Dialogue

Ministers and senior officials from around the world used the third high-level governmental plenary of the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance to outline national priorities for AI, while calling for stronger international cooperation to ensure AI benefits are shared more equitably. Although countries differed on regulatory approaches, participants broadly agreed that AI governance must be inclusive, human-centric and grounded in multilateral cooperation if it is to narrow rather than deepen global inequalities.

Throughout the session, speakers highlighted AI’s transformative potential for healthcare, education, agriculture and public services, while repeatedly warning that unequal access to computing power, infrastructure, talent and financing risks leaving many developing countries behind.

Europe pushes safety-by-design and evidence-based governance

Germany and the European Union placed safety, trust and evidence-based policymaking at the centre of their interventions.

Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, Karsten Wildberger, described AI as ‘an entirely new paradigm’ developing at unprecedented speed and argued that governments must actively shape its future rather than react to it.

‘We must shape AI because otherwise AI will shape us,’ he said, urging countries to embed safety, security and respect for human values into AI systems from the outset instead of attempting to add safeguards later.

Wildberger also announced Germany’s new National AI Safety and Security Institute, which will evaluate advanced AI systems and contribute to international cooperation alongside industry, academia and civil society.

Representing the European Union, Director-General of DG CONNECT Roberto Viola similarly highlighted AI’s enormous promise, pointing to advances in biotechnology, drug discovery and robotics that could accelerate scientific progress and economic growth. At the same time, he warned that AI could also be used to manipulate children, attack critical infrastructure or amplify other societal risks if left without appropriate safeguards.

Viola stressed that governance should remain grounded in scientific evidence rather than political assumptions, praising the work of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI as an important source of objective expertise for policymakers.

Developing countries call for ‘capacity before compliance’

If Europe focused on governance principles, developing countries focused on the practical barriers that prevent them from participating fully in the AI economy.

A recurring message throughout the plenary was that AI divides extend far beyond access to technology, encompassing shortages of computing power, electricity, broadband connectivity, quality datasets, skilled professionals and financial resources.

Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, Meutya Viada Hafid, argued that AI governance should support development rather than simply regulate risks. She introduced the principle of ‘capacity before compliance,’ warning that expecting countries with limited digital infrastructure to meet the same governance obligations as advanced AI economies would neither be realistic nor equitable.

Pakistan’s Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, similarly warned that the global ‘capability divide is real and it is widening.’ She urged countries to move beyond discussions of principles towards concrete investments in shared computing infrastructure, open-source models, regulatory sandboxes and a proposed global AI fund to help developing nations build sovereign AI capabilities.

Uganda highlighted that Africa currently possesses less than 1% of global AI computing capacity despite ambitious plans to use AI to support economic transformation, while Malawi described facing what it called an ‘impossible choice’ between accepting unacceptable risks or being left behind altogether.

Other speakers from Chad, Mozambique, Somalia and Mali echoed these concerns, arguing that AI governance should recognise different national circumstances while ensuring countries become active contributors to AI development rather than remaining dependent consumers of technologies designed elsewhere.

National strategies offer practical governance lessons

Alongside calls for greater international support, several governments presented national initiatives that they hope could contribute to future global governance models.

Thailand proposed serving as an international AI governance sandbox where global principles could be tested through practical implementation rather than remaining solely the subject of international discussions. Minister Chaichanok Chidchob warned that fragmented governance risks undermining trust itself and invited UN partners to develop scalable governance models through real-world experimentation.

Singapore shared lessons from its own AI governance experience, identifying reliable digital infrastructure, trusted access to high-quality data and strong public confidence as the three foundations of successful AI adoption. The country also highlighted its work on AI safety research and international technical standards.

Rwanda pointed to its national AI policy, newly established AI agency and broader Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence adopted by dozens of African countries as examples of regional cooperation designed to harmonise governance approaches.

Other governments showcased complementary initiatives. Chile proposed creating a multilateral network of AI sandboxes operating under common rules, while the Maldives argued that AI can only deliver meaningful public value when built on secure digital public infrastructure, trusted data systems and clear accountability mechanisms. Zimbabwe highlighted its recently launched National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and called for an international AI capacity-building fund alongside mutual recognition of AI ethics standards.

Interoperability emerges as a common governance goal

Although countries presented diverse national strategies, many converged around the idea that AI governance frameworks should be interoperable rather than identical.

Ireland argued that AI governance requires a shared international language built around transparency, accountability and human oversight, while the Netherlands described interoperability, not a single global rulebook, as the organising principle for the next phase of AI governance. Different jurisdictions, Dutch representatives argued, should be able to develop compatible systems based on common standards without sacrificing national flexibility.

Thailand echoed this concern, warning that fragmented governance could ultimately fragment trust itself. Indonesia similarly argued that trustworthy AI depends on interoperability rather than uniformity, while Singapore stressed the importance of internationally recognised technical standards that enable cooperation across borders.

This emphasis on compatibility reflected broader concerns that increasingly divergent national AI regulations could create unnecessary barriers to innovation, investment and international collaboration.

Cooperation remains the defining challenge

The closing interventions highlighted both the broad consensus and the remaining differences over how global AI governance should evolve.

India called on countries to choose ‘consensus over conflict’ before technological progress outpaces diplomacy, arguing that AI governance should provide every nation with a meaningful voice regardless of its level of technological development. Senegal promoted the Global Network for Cooperation on AI Capacity Building and welcomed proposals for a global AI fund to strengthen infrastructure and expertise in developing countries. Bahrain announced exploratory work on a potential global AI treaty initiative, while the United Kingdom highlighted partnerships helping countries across Africa develop local-language AI tools and strengthen domestic AI ecosystems.

The United States, meanwhile, emphasised voluntary cooperation with industry and a pro-innovation regulatory environment rather than binding international rules, illustrating one of the clearest policy differences to emerge during the session.

Despite these differing approaches, participants broadly agreed that AI’s future cannot be shaped by any country acting alone. As ministers repeatedly argued, the success of AI governance will ultimately be measured not by the sophistication of frontier models, but by whether countries of every size and level of development can safely use AI to improve the lives of their citizens.

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WSIS session calls for meaningful connectivity as AI and e-governance expand

Speakers at the WSIS Forum 2026 warned that AI strategies, digital identity systems and e-government services are advancing faster than meaningful connectivity in many parts of Africa and the wider Global South, leaving rural communities, low-income groups, women and persons with disabilities at risk of further exclusion.

The session, titled ‘Closing Africa’s Connectivity Gap in the Age of AI and E-Governance’, took place during the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva. The annual forum, co-organised by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD, brings together governments, international organisations, civil society, the private sector, academia and technical communities to discuss digital cooperation and sustainable development.

Opening the session, Thobekile Matimbe of Paradigm Initiative framed the discussion around evidence from more than 28 countries. She said governments are increasingly adopting AI strategies, digital IDs and online public services, but many people still lack the connectivity, devices and conditions needed to benefit from them. Based on Paradigm Initiative’s work, she argued that the digital divide is widening rather than narrowing.

Bridget Hanani Ndlovu outlined the scale of exclusion, noting that 2.6 billion people remain unconnected globally and that more than half of Africa’s population is still offline. She stressed that the problem is not only missing infrastructure, but also what she described as ‘deliberate disconnection’, including internet shutdowns.

Ndlovu said Paradigm Initiative’s 2025 review of 29 African countries found that nine had implemented internet shutdowns. She cited Kenya and Tanzania as examples where connectivity can be disrupted even when infrastructure exists, arguing that such measures limit people’s ability to access information, public services and economic opportunities.

She also warned that AI-powered digital identity systems can deepen exclusion when introduced in unequal contexts. Referring to Uganda, Ndlovu said elderly people, women and persons with disabilities had faced difficulties accessing services linked to digital ID systems. She said digital systems must be designed and implemented with affected communities in mind, rather than assuming that technology will automatically improve access.

Affordability was another recurring concern. Ndlovu said data costs remain prohibitive in several African countries, giving Zimbabwe as an example where internet access can be unaffordable for low-income users. She also pointed to infrastructure problems in parts of Nigeria, including Zamfara North, where communities continue to experience limited or unreliable access.

Shumaila Shahani, a human rights lawyer, said similar challenges exist in South Asia and urged participants to focus on the human consequences of weak connectivity. She said poor access is not only about slow speeds or failed downloads, but can determine whether people receive essential services. As an example, she said biometric failures can prevent people from receiving food rations.

Shahani also linked connectivity to electricity access, explaining that unreliable power and limited charging options can make mobile devices unusable. She said women and persons with disabilities are often particularly affected when charging points, devices, and digital services are not accessible to them.

Her main warning was that AI-enabled and digital systems become harmful when they replace older offline channels before everyone can use the new systems. She said the ‘new AI door’ is not the problem by itself, but that exclusion occurs when it becomes the only door available.

The panel also discussed Universal Service Funds (USFs), which are intended to support connectivity in underserved areas. Ndlovu said many African countries have USFs in law, but implementation is often weak, transparency is limited and public information on budgets and progress is difficult to find.

She cited several country examples, saying Ethiopia had created a framework without an operational fund, Somalia lacked a functioning USF, Sudan had repeatedly established a fund without effective implementation, and telecom operators in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had not made required contributions. She added that South Africa showed stronger transparency around its fund, while Namibia had begun rollout work and Tunisia had pursued alternative coverage models through ‘white zones’.

Shahani suggested that USFs should be complemented by other affordability measures, including reduced taxes on handsets, device financing, targeted support for women’s connectivity and legal obligations requiring private operators to extend rural coverage. She said the connectivity policy should also address the electricity infrastructure, including solar-powered towers.

The speakers also called for stronger accountability before governments deploy AI-integrated public systems. Ndlovu said governments should conduct human rights impact assessments before adopting digital identity or AI systems and should consult affected communities early, not only at the end of the policy process.

She argued that governments and international processes should measure harms and impacts, not only infrastructure rollout or the number of AI tools adopted. Matimbe supported this point, saying implementation must include civil society and other stakeholders at the national level, not only governments and companies.

Shahani added that connectivity statistics should better reflect meaningful access. She said counting someone as connected because they have 2G access does not capture whether they can actually use digital public services, AI tools or online education. Measurement, she argued, should include device capability, speed, affordability and daily use.

She also said national AI strategies must include explicit connectivity budgets, warning that ‘any national AI strategy without a connectivity budget’ is ‘just a press release’.

In the audience discussion, speakers addressed whether women’s connectivity should be treated separately from household access. Ndlovu said women are often specifically disadvantaged in access to technology and should not have to depend on devices controlled by others. Shahani added that if a woman relies on her partner’s phone, that access is not meaningful or independent.

Across the session, speakers agreed that meaningful connectivity in the AI era requires more than network coverage. It also depends on affordability, electricity, devices, protection from shutdowns, functioning Universal Service Funds, inclusive design, offline alternatives and rights-based assessments before new systems are deployed.

The discussion concluded with a shared emphasis on implementation. Speakers argued that governments, companies, civil society and technical experts need to work together to ensure that AI, digital identity and e-governance systems do not deepen exclusion, but instead expand access to services and opportunities for communities that remain offline or underserved.

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South Africa launches BrainSAT Satellite Services

South Africa has launched BrainSAT Satellite Services as part of its efforts to expand secure and reliable satellite connectivity for government, businesses and communities across the country.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced the launch alongside the South African debut of Thuraya satellite phones in Johannesburg. According to the Presidency, BrainSAT South Africa will provide secure voice, broadband and data services for government, businesses and industrial users.

The launch follows a memorandum of understanding linked to Mashatile’s 2024 visit to the United Arab Emirates. The Presidency said UAE-based Space42 is partnering with BrainSAT South Africa to implement the agreement.

Mashatile said the services are intended to improve connectivity in sectors including energy, mining, maritime operations and humanitarian response, where satellite communications can maintain critical links in remote or challenging environments.

The government also linked the initiative to its Roadmap for Digital Transformation in Government, which aims to simplify access to services such as grants, identity documents, payment systems and school registration. BrainSAT also supports South Africa Connect and the National Satellite Communication Strategy, which seek to expand broadband access and develop a nationally owned satellite capability. Mashatile said the initiative could improve rural service delivery, strengthen economic growth, create new skills and expand digital connectivity.

According to the company’s website, Space42’s YahClick service already provides satellite broadband across Africa, the Middle East, Southwest Asia and Brazil through Ka-band high-throughput satellites.

Why does it matter?

The launch reflects South Africa’s broader effort to strengthen digital infrastructure by expanding satellite connectivity alongside terrestrial broadband networks. Reliable satellite communications can improve resilience in remote regions and support essential services, critical industries and emergency response where conventional infrastructure is limited.

The initiative also highlights the growing role of international partnerships in national digital transformation strategies. By linking satellite infrastructure with public service delivery, broadband expansion and economic development, South Africa is positioning connectivity as a key enabler of digital inclusion and long-term growth.

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Saudi Arabia leads world in digital connectivity

Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in the International Telecommunication Union’s 2025 ICT Development Index, which measures progress towards universal and meaningful connectivity.

The index assessed 164 economies using indicators grouped around universal and effective connectivity. Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission said the result reflects sustained investment in digital infrastructure and the country’s efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of its technology sector.

CST said advanced telecommunications networks have helped support digital economic growth, attract investment and expand the role of technology across the economy.

According to the regulator, Saudi Arabia’s digital economy reached SAR 495 billion in 2024, accounting for 15% of the national GDP. The country’s ICT market was valued at SAR 180 billion in 2024, according to CST, which described it as the largest and fastest-growing in the MENA region.

The regulator also said mobile subscriptions reached 212% of the population, while average monthly data use per person was more than three times the global average.

The ranking supports Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation agenda, which links connectivity investment to economic diversification, emerging technology adoption and the growth of digital services.

Why does it matter?

Connectivity is a foundation for digital transformation. High-performing broadband and mobile networks can support cloud services, AI adoption, digital public services and new business models. Saudi Arabia’s ranking also shows how Gulf states are using telecommunications infrastructure as part of wider economic diversification strategies, with digital markets increasingly tied to competitiveness, investment and technological sovereignty.

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Ericsson report says global 5G subscriptions pass 3 billion

Global 5G subscriptions passed 3 billion in the first quarter of 2026, according to Ericsson’s latest Mobility Report.

The report says 162 million 5G subscriptions were added during the quarter, bringing the global total to 3.1 billion. Ericsson expects 5G subscriptions to more than double to 6.4 billion by the end of 2031.

5G will also carry around half of global mobile data traffic by the end of 2025. Ericsson projects that 5G networks will account for 85% of mobile data traffic by 2031.

The report highlights the continued deployment of 5G Standalone networks and the growth of commercial network slicing services, which allow operators to offer differentiated connectivity for specific use cases.

Ericsson also points to changing traffic patterns. For many service providers, uplink traffic is already growing faster than downlink traffic, driven by collaboration tools, cloud storage and emerging services that require more data to be sent from devices to networks.

The company says AI-powered devices, augmented reality applications and connected technologies are likely to increase demand for real-time data processing and uplink capacity.

Ericsson said existing 5G networks can support early AI and extended reality services, while 6G is expected to enable larger-scale AI-native applications, with the first commercial services expected around 2030.

Why does it matter?

The report shows that 5G is becoming a core layer of digital infrastructure for AI-enabled services, cloud applications and connected devices. As AI moves from centralised data centres into devices, vehicles, workplaces and industrial systems, mobile networks will need to support higher uplink capacity, lower latency and more differentiated connectivity. Growth in 5G Standalone and network slicing also matters because these technologies give operators more tools to support specialised services, from enterprise automation to future AI and XR applications.

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Türkiye steps into quantum race with strategic roadmap

Türkiye has published an updated quantum technology roadmap, setting out 85 priority technology topics across quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communication.

The roadmap was developed through the Quantum Focus Technology Network (OTAĞ), coordinated by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Secretariat of Defence Industries. The process involved 305 experts from 123 institutions and organisations, including civilian and military stakeholders.

The roadmap classifies the 85 proposed technology topics into 34 near-term and 51 long-term priorities. Technologies were assessed using an analytical prioritisation method that considered Türkiye’s needs, existing capabilities, infrastructure, and end user requirements.

The strategy focuses on building domestic capability in quantum computing, sensing and communication by strengthening research infrastructure, developing skilled human capital and expanding cooperation between universities, industry, research centres and public institutions.

Priority steps include postgraduate programmes in quantum engineering and hardware technologies, researcher exchange and internship schemes, international research partnerships and critical infrastructure such as nanofabrication, cryogenic testing, precision measurement laboratories and sensor packaging.

The roadmap forms part of Türkiye’s wider effort to build a coordinated quantum ecosystem and improve its international competitiveness in a field with implications for cybersecurity, secure communications, advanced sensing and future computing.

Why does it matter?

Quantum technologies could reshape encryption, secure communications, sensing, navigation and high-performance computing. Türkiye’s roadmap is important because it turns quantum capability-building into a structured national programme with defence and strategic-technology relevance. By aligning universities, public institutions, industry and research centres around shared priorities, Türkiye is trying to reduce dependence on foreign technologies and position itself earlier in a field where global leadership is still being contested.

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EU funds first regional hubs to protect undersea cables

The European Commission has announced funding for the first two Regional Cable Hubs in the Baltic and Mediterranean seas as part of a broader effort to strengthen the protection of Europe’s critical undersea infrastructure. The initiative aims to improve coordination in monitoring and responding to risks affecting submarine communication and energy cables.

Alongside the €5.8 million allocated to establish the hubs, the Commission has launched a €40 million funding call to expand Europe’s capacity to repair damaged submarine cables. The measures form part of the EU Action Plan on Cable Security, which aims to improve resilience against both physical and cyber threats affecting critical data and energy infrastructure.

The programme is intended to enhance the EU’s ability to detect incidents earlier and coordinate rapid responses across member states. Officials say the initiative will also strengthen cross-border cooperation among countries facing shared security challenges in strategically important maritime regions.

Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said the project reflects Europe’s commitment to improving security and sovereignty by investing in stronger infrastructure resilience. The new hubs are expected to act as coordination centres for faster incident response, improved preparedness and enhanced situational awareness in the face of emerging threats.

Why does it matter?

Submarine cables are a critical component of modern digital and energy infrastructure, carrying the vast majority of international internet traffic while also supporting financial transactions, cloud services and cross-border energy connectivity. Disruptions to these networks can have immediate economic, security and operational consequences that extend far beyond the affected region.

The initiative also reflects a broader shift in European security policy. As concerns grow over geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats and infrastructure sabotage, the EU is increasingly treating undersea cables as strategic assets that require coordinated protection, monitoring and rapid repair capabilities. Strengthening resilience in these networks is becoming an important element of Europe’s broader agenda on digital sovereignty, critical infrastructure security and collective resilience.

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