East African countries required a structured assessment to understand opportunities, risks, and regulatory barriers for RaaS and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) deployments. IFC sought clarity on market conditions, commercial models, and investment risks to support optimised mobile network and rural connectivity strategies.
The challenge
East African markets faced limited RaaS and FWA deployment due to technical constraints, commercial uncertainty, and unclear regulatory frameworks. The challenge was to evaluate telecom and broadband markets in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda, identify key risks, and provide IFC with actionable guidance for sustainable RaaS investment.
Project outline
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Assessed telecom and broadband market conditions in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda.
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Forecast rural mobile and FWA demand.
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Analysed competitive landscape and reviewed global RaaS case studies.
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Evaluated commercial models and MNO contracting structures.
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Reviewed regulatory frameworks covering licensing, spectrum, land, and renewable energy.
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Assessed ownership, right-of-way, and coordinated rollout options.
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Developed recommendations to mitigate risks and optimise RaaS deployment models.
Our impact
The assessment provided IFC with a clear understanding of market potential, major risks, and regulatory constraints. The recommendations supported informed investment decisions and helped shape sustainable RaaS deployment strategies aligned with local regulatory environments.
Duration of engagement: February 2023 – March 2023