Africa's First Nation, Nigeria, Introduces the Africa-BB-Maps Broadband Project
The Africa-BB-Maps National Event, a pioneering initiative under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), was recently launched in Abuja, Nigeria. The event, which lasted two days, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria's digital transformation, making it the first of 11 African countries to begin work on this project [1][2][4].
The Africa-BB-Maps initiative is a four-year (2025–2028) project funded by the European Union and implemented by the ITU. Its primary objective is to enhance the accuracy and harmonization of broadband coverage data through national broadband infrastructure mapping [1][2][3].
The project aims to support evidence-based policy making and infrastructure investment decisions, close connectivity gaps, especially in underserved and rural areas, and strengthen national regulatory authorities' capacity to map broadband infrastructure and service coverage [1][2][3]. It also seeks to accelerate inclusive digital connectivity and support the rollout of new technologies like 5G, and foster regional cooperation in broadband mapping to promote harmonized broadband expansion across multiple African countries [1][2][3].
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan to achieve universal broadband coverage by 2028 and close the digital divide [1][2][3]. It uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to produce real-time maps of internet coverage and broadband gaps that can guide targeted infrastructure development and investment [3].
Key players from the government, industry, and development partners attended the event, signifying a collaborative approach towards mapping and planning broadband infrastructure [1]. The potential benefits of the initiative extend beyond just improving internet access and connectivity, as it is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria's efforts to expand internet access and improve connectivity [1].
While the timeline for the implementation of the Africa-BB-Maps initiative beyond the event is not mentioned, it is clear that this project represents a strategic effort to use data-driven broadband mapping to improve internet access, enhance connectivity infrastructure, and promote digital inclusion nationwide and regionally across West Africa [1][2][3]. The initiative's impact on other sectors or aspects of Nigeria's society is not discussed in the provided information.
[1] ITU. (n.d.). Africa-BB-Maps: Strengthening broadband mapping for digital inclusion in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.itu.int/en/regions/africa/projects/Pages/africa-bb-maps.aspx [2] NCC. (n.d.). Africa-BB-Maps National Event. Retrieved from https://www.ncc.gov.ng/africa-bb-maps-national-event/ [3] ITU. (2021, October 12). Africa-BB-Maps: Strengthening broadband mapping for digital inclusion in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/pages/2021/10/africa-bb-maps-strengthening-broadband-mapping-for-digital-inclusion-in-africa.aspx [4] TechEconomy.ng. (2021, October 12). Nigeria hosts Africa-BB-Maps National Event, kicks off digital transformation. Retrieved from https://www.techeconomy.ng/nigeria-hosts-africa-bb-maps-national-event-kicks-off-digital-transformation/
The Africa-BB-Maps initiative, a joint effort by the ITU and the European Union, seeks to accelerate inclusive digital connectivity by utilizing advanced technology such as 5G and Geographic Information System (GIS), and foster regional cooperation in broadband mapping to promote harmonized broadband expansion [1][2][3]. This project, which was recently launched in Abuja, Nigeria, aligns with the country's National Broadband Plan, aiming to achieve universal broadband coverage by 2028, bridge the digital divide, and improve internet access and connectivity [1][2][3].
