At the 2024 Broadband Africa Forum, experts and policymakers gathered to discuss Africa’s future in broadband and digital connectivity.
The goal? To achieve 30% broadband coverage by 2030.
The forum also addressed the urgent need for faster, more reliable internet access across the continent.
Why? Because Africa’s digital growth depends on solid, fast, and affordable internet infrastructure.
Broadband Africa Forum 2024
Huawei, one of the key players at the forum, emphasised a vision of ‘All-Optical Connectivity’ for Africa. The current (read: older and slower) copper networks are holding us back.
These networks must be replaced with faster fibre connections.
Vice president of Huawei’s optical business product line Kim Jin says they will work alongside industry leaders to build a network that prioritises high-quality, affordable access.
This All-Optical strategy is part of the F5.5G initiative. The end goal of this project is a fully connected Africa with seamless high-speed internet for work, education, social interaction, and entertainment.
Imagine better connectivity across rural areas and increased economic opportunities in regions that currently lack access.
That’s the endgame.
Countries getting it right
It’s not all doom and gloom and 404 errors across the continent.
We heard success stories from across Africa, showing what’s possible when broadband access expands.
Eswatini: Fiber-fueled progress
The Eswatini Post and Telecommunications Company (EPTC) has transitioned from old copper infrastructure to modern fibre networks, using the nation’s broadband goals to drive technological upgrades.
Kenya: Build for broadband
Kenya’s government has updated building codes to require fibre infrastructure in new buildings, making it easier for urban areas to stay connected.
Nigeria’s quality-driven connectivity
MTN Nigeria emphasised a strategy of “quality-first” investments in broadband to ensure that every dollar spent improves service quality and expands access.
While these success stories show progress, there’s still a larger goal to achieve continent-wide.
Goals for Broadband in Africa
The 2024 Broadband Africa White Paper, created by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and released at the forum, outlines a roadmap to expand broadband across Africa by 2030.
The white paper identifies three types of markets within Africa’s broadband landscape:
- Initial market,
- Developing markets, and
- Leading markets.
It sets ambitious goals, aiming for broadband coverage to exceed 30% by 2030. Fibre connections will make up more than half of broadband users.
There is currently a massive gap between rural and urban internet availability.
By promoting best practices and encouraging countries to adopt regulations which support growth, this roadmap offers practical steps for achieving widespread access.
F5.5G and ‘One Cloud’ in Africa’s future
Beyond broadband, the forum also looked at the role of advanced technology in Africa’s journey to connectivity, such as F5.5G and cloud services.
Huawei’s One Cloud initiative proposes an approach where all digital services (from healthcare to education) can be accessed through one single and secure platform.
This model would enable African countries to adopt a unified digital infrastructure, making it easier to provide services and better access in underserved regions.
What are some practical applications of a unified digital infrastructure?
One example is students accessing online learning or providing healthcare information to rural areas. Another example is the streamlined government services.
People in remote areas could apply for IDs, register businesses, or access social support programs online, without needing to travel long distances.
Agenda 2063
The white paper also highlights Agenda 2063, which focuses on the goal to have all the necessary infrastructure in place by 2063.
Think: technological transformation, trade and development.
This includes but is not limited to high-speed railway networks, roads, shipping lines, sea and air transport, and well-developed ICT and the digital economy.
The dream: “A Pan-African High-Speed Train Network will connect all the major cities/capitals of the continent, with adjacent highways and pipelines for gas, oil, water, as well as ICT broadband cables and other infrastructure.
“This will be a catalyst for manufacturing, skills development, technology, research and development, integration and intraAfrican trade, investments and tourism.
“Agenda 2063 is a 50-year master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.
