The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency, has announced a significant project to accelerate digital transformation across Africa.
This project aims to bridge the digital divide in Africa by providing critical data for informed infrastructure investments and policy decisions. With Nigeria’s large and youthful population, the country is poised to play a key role in Africa’s digital future. The ITU’s initiative focuses on addressing Nigeria’s current challenges in expanding broadband access, particularly in rural areas.
Funded by the European Union (EU) with a €15 million investment, the initiative will benefit Nigeria and ten other African countries by mapping existing broadband infrastructure and identifying coverage gaps.
The other African countries participating in the project include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Malawi, Senegal, and Uganda. This diverse selection reflects the ITU’s commitment to promoting inclusive digital development across the continent.
The broadband mapping project offers several benefits:
- Economic Growth and Social Development: Expanded broadband access fosters economic growth and social development by enabling access to education, healthcare, e-commerce, and other essential services.
- Enhanced Policy Making: Evidence-based policy decisions will promote competition, affordability, and universal broadband access.
- Improved Infrastructure Planning: Data will identify areas lacking connectivity, enabling targeted investments.
- Increased Transparency: Comprehensive broadband maps will enhance transparency and accountability in the telecommunications sector.
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