Uganda and China sign pact to boost internet access

In the frame of the China-Africa digital capacity-building cooperation forum, Uganda signed a pact with The People’s Republic of China to boost development, cooperation, and digital transformation. According to the Uganda Communication Commission 2022 Market Performance Report, the total number of devices connected to the internet in Uganda reached up to 10.9 million, implying that approximately 20% of the country’s population is connected to the internet. The Minister for Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, explained that the government of Uganda had been working with China to lay the infrastructure to make sure the internet networks reach everyone in the country. He highlighted the need for connectivity in rural areas to modernise the country.

Why does it matter?

In recent years, China’s tech companies have become key players in Africa’s digital scene. First in North Africa and now expanding further into other regions of the continent. There is growing interest in how Chinese involvement in Africa’s telecoms sector will impact the geopolitical distribution of the global communication market. Also, there is concern that China’s involvement will hinder local players. Local governments could also lose control over digital data with significant economic value, not to mention the potential impact of China’s ability to shape cyberspace governance in ways that could restrict freedom of expression.