SAMENA Telecommunications Council, represented Bocar BA, CEO & Board Member and UN Broadband Commissioner, contributed to the leadership discussions and exchange of insights that took place during Mobile World Congress Africa, held in Kigali, Rwanda.
SAMENA Council highlighted that the way we bring access to connectivity must be aligned with what our world has undergone across a myriad of fronts. The investment, funding and financing models that enabled earlier telecoms infrastructure development and its utilization; that provided an environment for today’s digital ecosystems to grow; and which allowed for possibilities that citizens would have access to life-impacting content and digital services, no longer suffice. They were created for the market realities and economic perspectives of the 20th century, whereas we are addressing the needs of the 21st century.
Recommendations from the Broadband Commission's 21st Century Funding and Investment Models Working Group, which informed recent discussions last month in New York at the Annual Fall Meeting of the Commission, and insights from SMART Africa, stemming from its study on “The Impact of OTT Applications and Services on the Telecommunications Sector in Africa”, with a particular focus on taxation, provide a powerful blueprint for addressing digital infrastructure financing needs for the next decade and beyond. Here, implications and impacts of the impending implementation of the OECD’s long-awaited framework on International Tax Reform also merit consideration.
Bocar BA, during his keynote, remarked that “Through a combination of connectivity collaborations, for example, between Terrestrial and Satellite operators and HAPS; shared connectivity funding, for example, from contributors other than Telecom Operators; technology and regional integration; and by optimizing capacity-building and human development endeavors, economic transformation throughout SA-ME-NA and Africa can be put on a path to growth and sustainability.”
BA further elaborated that “Because mobile technology has a direct impact on inclusive progress, governments and the private sector should keep eyes on understanding and harnessing 5G’s potential as the neighboring regions carry on forward in deploying 5G.” However, he added in the context of Africa, “5G roll-out and adoption need to account for the current connectivity landscape, emerging digital services, and unique market features specific to Africa. Thus, the approach needs to be targeted, collaboration-driven and phased, serving needs where they arise rather than opting for large-scale roll-outs.”
“Bridging connectivity gaps requires not only infrastructural investments but also investments in enhancing digital literacy, curating relevant content, and addressing device affordability”, BA further elaborated in his message.
SAMENA Council observes that Africa needs to leapfrog on multiple fronts, and to accelerate fulfilment of its collective vision and that of the vision of each of its 54 economies.
MWC in Kigali was co-located with Africa HealthTech Summit and Smart Africa. The industry event gathered all sub-regions of Africa as well as international attendees from countries looking to do business in Africa. The event focused on four core themes: Accelerate Africa, FinTech, HealthTech, and Powering Digital.
The GSMA marked the opening of MWC Kigali 2023 with the publication of its annual Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa Report, which revealed a considerable mobile internet usage gap of 59% in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the report acknowledged over 285 million people in the region – representing 25% of the population – were using mobile internet, the significant usage gap highlights the impact of the barriers to adoption, including the lack of affordability and low levels of digital skills.
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Source: SAMENA Council Press release