Africa is bridging the digital divide in rural areas through partnerships between governments and private companies. These collaborations are expanding internet access, improving education, health, and agriculture, and empowering communities. Capmad presents an overview of the five top-performing countries.

Country Assessment Criteria in Africa

Four key areas are used to determine the top-performing countries.

• Growth in Rural Coverage: The percentage increase in connectivity, the number of new households connected, improvements in speed and reliability, and cost-effectiveness. PPP Success: These include factors such as project timelines, achievement of connectivity targets, securing sustainable financing, and engaging local communities.
• Program Longevity: Emphasis is placed on the consistency and scalability of initiatives over time.
• Use of Advanced Technologies: Examples include solar-powered base stations, TV white space, LEO satellites, and mesh networks.

Each area was weighted to balance immediate outcomes with long-term benefits. This comprehensive approach identifies five countries that excel in using public-private partnerships to develop rural connectivity.

South Africa

South Africa is making progress in expanding internet access in rural areas through government-private sector partnerships. The SA Connect program, in collaboration with major telecommunications companies, is playing a key role in providing broadband access to remote communities. This initiative paves the way for other government projects aimed at improving connectivity.

Government agencies are partnering with technology companies to deploy broadband internet in underserved areas. The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies is prioritizing the connection of schools and healthcare facilities, filling gaps in traditional infrastructure and promoting digital access in these areas.

To reach these communities, the Universal Service and Access Agency is using a combination of technologies, including television white spaces, solar-powered Wi-Fi antennas, and satellite internet. This approach ensures connectivity even in the most remote areas.

Rwanda

Rwanda is making impressive progress in rural internet access through public-private partnerships (PPPs). The “Internet for All” initiative has played a major role in bridging the gap between urban and rural connectivity by extending internet access to remote communities.

The Rwanda Information and Communications Technology Authority (RICT) partnered with MTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda to improve rural coverage. This collaboration resulted in the installation of new cell towers in remote areas, helping to reduce internet costs for rural users.

In partnership with Starlink, Rwanda deployed satellite internet in previously inaccessible mountainous regions. This provided remote schools and health centers with access to high-speed internet, improving education and health services.

Kenya

Kenya has made significant progress in improving internet access in rural areas through partnerships between the government and private companies. These efforts aim to overcome connectivity challenges in underserved areas through programs such as the Universal Service Fund.

One priority is improving digital literacy in rural schools by ensuring reliable internet access. Technology companies have also played a role by using White Space TV technology to expand network coverage. Additionally, solutions such as solar-powered base stations, mesh networks, and LEO satellite links have been implemented to expand connectivity in rural Kenya.

Ghana

Ghana is addressing rural connectivity challenges through public-private partnerships. The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) is leading the Rural Telephony Project, in collaboration with major technology companies such as Huawei and MTN Ghana. The goal is to expand network coverage in remote areas.

To address infrastructure challenges, Ghana is using technologies such as television white spaces, solar towers, and satellite internet. These efforts aim to improve connectivity while supporting education, health, and economic development. These advances are helping to introduce new internet technologies to rural communities across Africa.

Nigeria

Nigeria is making progress connecting rural areas through public-private partnerships. These collaborations use innovative solutions, such as solar-powered base stations and community networks, to bring internet access to remote areas. This expanded access paves the way for improvements in education, health, and local economies.

These projects have connected rural schools, health centers, and small businesses, promoting distance learning, telemedicine, and new economic opportunities. These efforts are in line with similar initiatives in other countries, but Nigeria is adapting its approach to the specific needs of its rural areas.