Member nations of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened a two-day workshop on 24-25 June in Mbabane, Eswatini, to strategize on accelerating broadband infrastructure growth across the region by 2030.
The event brought together national regulators, policymakers, infrastructure specialists, and representatives from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Global Telecommunications Association (GSMA).
Discussions centred on expediting infrastructure deployment, enhancing affordability, and promoting digital inclusion throughout SADC. The participants aimed to establish regional standards to ensure internet access that is fast, affordable, and accessible to all citizens.
“Broadband holds significant transformative potential — driving economic growth, strengthening human capital, improving public services, and fostering social inclusion,” said Brian Mwansa, Acting Executive Secretary of the Communications Regulators Association of Southern Africa (CRASA). “Connecting people and businesses to vital information and services creates opportunities for innovation, education, healthcare access, and improves overall quality of life.”
Recognized as a fundamental pillar of digital transformation, broadband connectivity is a priority for most African nations. A 2019 Broadband Commission report titled “Connecting Africa Through Broadband” emphasized that achieving a thriving digital economy depends on universal access to high-quality, affordable broadband networks. Similar ambitions are shared by other regional economic communities, including West and East Africa, through various digital integration initiatives.
According to SADC data, internet penetration in the region reached an average of 57.2% in 2024. However, the GSMA estimated last April that actual penetration was around 33%, indicating a coverage gap ranging between 11% and 14%.
To meet these ambitious targets, participants recommended a series of priority actions, including the adoption of clear and coordinated national broadband policies, fostering sustainable investments, and establishing systems to monitor progress effectively. Sharing best practices, developing reliable data management strategies, building local capacity, and tailoring targets to specific national contexts were also identified as key strategies to ensure equitable and effective implementation of regional broadband goals.
