By:
Kanto Kai Okanta
The
International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Development Bureau
(ITU BDT) has reported continued progress on the Africa Broadband Maps project
through its 2026 Capacity Building Programme, with a new training initiative
launched in Southern Africa.
The
Southern Africa Subregional Foundation GIS and Data Management Training has
commenced in Botswana, supported by the Botswana Communications Regulatory
Authority (BOCRA), the Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern
Africa (CRASA), and the European Union Partnerships initiative.
According
to ITU BDT Director Cosmas Zavazava, the programme brings together participants
from national regulatory authorities in Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
to strengthen foundational geographic information systems (GIS) skills.
The
training is aimed at enhancing national broadband mapping capabilities and
improving the use of spatial data for connectivity planning, regulatory
oversight, and reporting across participating countries.
Organisers
say the initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve data-driven
decision-making in the telecommunications sector and support the expansion of
broadband infrastructure across Africa.
The
Africa Broadband Maps project is designed to provide accurate and standardized
connectivity data to support policy development, investment planning, and
digital inclusion strategies across the continent.
