Regional ICT experts have validated an Optic Fiber Study which identifies the status of optical fiber connectivity and challenges impeding country-wide fiber deployments. The study is intended to address the challenge that most African countries are currently facing on connectivity to the in-land It was funded under the eight million Euros European Union supported Enhancement for Governance and Enabling Environment (EGEE-ICT) programme, being
implemented in the Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean regions.
The meeting took place in Lusaka from 1 – 3 November 2023 where the consultancy firm took the COMESA, IOM delegates through the methodology, data collection, GIS fibre infrastructure analysis, policy and regulatory
analysis and overview of regional fibre infrastructure development in the region.
The validation workshop in Lusaka also discussed the importance of having optic fiber given the high demand for data-based technological advancements such as Machine to Machine (M2M), Internet of Things (IOT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“At the time 5G deployments are in the early stages in Africa, sufficient optic fiber capacity will promote the expansion of 5G networks as well as internet connectivity for our citizens,” Dr Mohamed Kadah, Assistant Secretary General in charge of programmes in COMESA said when he addressed the delegates.
He added that accessibility and affordability of ICT is key for the region to utilize e-services and reach all groups of society, in remote areas and the disadvantaged groups, a move that could help transform the landscape of development in EA-SA-IO.
Over the past few years, Africa has experienced growth in the use of ICTs such as increased subscription and improvements in coverage and accessibility, hence the need to improve ICT infrastructure coverage.
“We need to improve ICT and digital literacy at all levels, ensure that ICT services and devices are affordable and target to reach the underserved and unserved populations,” Dr Kadah said.
The EGEE ICT programme focuses on coordinating regional public and private sector ICT policy development, enhancing policy and regulatory environment for competitive markets and gender sensitive ICT markets, and improving infrastructure connectivity and ensure access to ICT to all.
Regional Economic Communities namely COMESA, the EAC, IGAD, IOC and SADC are working together under the EGEE-ICT programme to achieve ICT regional integration.