EU Invests $16 Million in Broadband Mapping Across 11 African Nations
The European Union is taking a significant step towards bridging Africa’s digital divide by launching a $16 million broadband infrastructure mapping project. This initiative, running from 2025 to 2028, falls under the umbrella of the EU’s extensive Global Gateway strategy and will be overseen by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). With nearly half of the €300 billion Global Gateway strategy allocated to Africa, this project underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering digital connectivity across the continent.
Mapping the Path to Universal Internet Access
The Africa-BB-Maps project, spanning four years, aims to equip national telecom regulators in 11 African countries with advanced broadband mapping systems. The primary objective is to generate detailed and accurate data on existing infrastructure coverage and pinpoint areas lacking internet access. This comprehensive data is crucial for informing strategic investment decisions, shaping effective regulatory frameworks, and guiding sound policymaking in the telecommunications sector. The participating countries include Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. By creating this data foundation, the project directly contributes to the EU’s goal of promoting digital inclusion and accelerating economic growth within these African nations.
Keywords
Related Keywords: African broadband, broadband mapping initiative, Africa internet access, digital divide Africa, internet infrastructure Africa, broadband coverage, African connectivity, internet mapping project, African digital development, new broadband projects
