Project designed to analyse global privatisation experiences of telecom incumbents and provide evidence-based guidance for countries in the EBRD region considering market liberalisation and sector reform.
The challenge
Many countries in the EBRD region continue to operate with state-owned, dominant telecommunications incumbents.
These market structures often limit competition, innovation, and broadband development.
Policymakers lacked practical, data-driven insights on how privatisation impacts broadband markets, financial performance, equity markets, and overall economic outcomes, as well as guidance on how to structure effective and sequenced privatisation processes.
Project outline
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Conducted a global review of telecom privatisation experiences across multiple regions.
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Performed quantitative analysis of broadband market performance and incumbent outcomes before and after privatisation.
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Assessed the impact of privatisation on equity markets, including IPO and SPO performance.
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Identified key success factors and preconditions influencing privatisation outcomes.
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Reviewed broadband market conditions in selected case-study countries (Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Tunisia).
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Developed tailored recommendations for privatisation strategy and regulatory reform sequencing.
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Delivered workshops and presented overall findings and recommendations to EBRD stakeholders.
Our impact
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Provided policymakers with a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of the risks, opportunities, and market impacts associated with privatisation.
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Enabled governments to design more effective privatisation strategies grounded in international best practice.
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Strengthened regulatory and institutional readiness for market liberalisation and sector restructuring.
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Supported informed decision-making by illustrating real-world outcomes from global privatisation models.
Duration of engagement: February 2020 – February 2021