COMESA calls for increased access to affordable ICT services in Southern Africa

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has underscored the importance of member states making deliberate efforts to enhance the availability of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services.

Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Kadah, COMESA’s in-charge of programmes, stated that access to ICTs was crucial in addressing challenges like climate vulnerability, gender inequality and health emergencies.

He made this call in a speech delivered by COMESA Director of Infrastructure Dr. Bernard Dzawanda during the Enhancement of Governance and Enabling Environment in ICT (EGEE-ICT) programme held at the Secretariat in Lusaka on Thursday.

Kadah emphasized that while access to affordable ICT services was essential, affordability was a critical factor in achieving universal and inclusive access.

“According to reports on Africa from the ITU as of 2023, 37 percent are using the internet compared to the global average of 67 percent, and 25 percent are connected to the internet compared to the global average of 57 percent,” he noted.

This data indicated a need for continued efforts to ensure that ICT services were accessible to as many people as possible at affordable prices.

Kadah pointed out that even where services were available, internet use was often limited by the high costs of data and digital devices, stressing the importance of smart devices for internet access.

“According to the GSM report, in Africa, affordability stood at 14.6 percent in 2023, exceeding the 2 percent GNI Broadband Commission 2025 target. In the COMESA region, we consider ICT a priority sector for enabling development and regional integration,” he highlighted.

Kadah explained that the COMESA Strategic Plan for the Telecommunications/ICT sector focuses on achieving digital transformation through a conducive environment, policy and regulation, digital infrastructure, digital skills, human capital and innovation, and cybersecurity.

He acknowledged the significance of initiatives like the EGEE-ICT programme for achieving the region’s digital transformation objectives as outlined in the strategic plan and fulfilling the treaty’s mandate.

“We are immensely grateful to the European Union, our funding partner for the EGEE-ICT programme, who are committed supporters of socio-economic development in our region and globally,” Kadah stated.

He noted that the EGEE-ICT programme had been operational for four years, since December 2020, and highlighted the considerable efforts and dedication shown by various parties to achieve its objectives.

Madagascar also disclosed that while the programme experienced a slow start in 2021, it had since gained momentum and delivered significant outputs.

“Some of the key deliverables include completed studies in the areas of roaming and interconnection, optic fiber and related policies and regulations, universal access, authorization, and e-waste management,” he said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR