EU Invests in Broadband Expansion Across 11 African Nations
The European Union is significantly boosting digital infrastructure across Africa with a new $16 million initiative focused on broadband mapping. This project, known as Africa-BB-Maps, will run from 2025 to 2028 and aims to improve internet access across eleven African countries. This effort is part of the EU’s larger Global Gateway strategy, a substantial investment plan with approximately half of its €300 billion budget allocated to support initiatives in Africa.
Mapping the Future of African Broadband
Spearheaded by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Africa-BB-Maps will be crucial in bridging the digital divide by pinpointing areas lacking adequate internet access. The project’s primary objective is to equip national telecom regulators with the necessary tools and systems for creating consistent and comprehensive broadband mapping. This includes generating reliable data on the current state of infrastructure coverage and identifying the specific gaps that require attention. The data gathered will then be used to inform strategic investment decisions, shape effective regulatory frameworks, and guide policymaking within the participating countries. The eleven African nations set to benefit from this initiative are Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The initiative focuses on the digital transformation of the countries mentioned above.
The project promises to be a key step toward expanding digital access and boosting economic opportunities within these African countries.
Keywords
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