Central Africa required a rapid regional assessment to understand broadband infrastructure gaps, long-term bandwidth demand, and connectivity challenges across seven countries. The work needed to identify missing fiber links, evaluate connectivity conditions in refugee camps and border regions, and provide recommendations to support regional digital integration.
The challenge
The region lacked cohesive regulatory frameworks, had limited broadband availability in vulnerable areas, and faced significant gaps in fiber networks, last-mile connectivity, and data infrastructure. Improving digital access required a coordinated regional view of infrastructure needs, market barriers, and long term investment requirements.
Project outline
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Mapped existing, planned, and missing fiber optic infrastructure across seven Central African countries.
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Conducted ten to fifteen-year bandwidth demand projections using surveys, benchmarks, and market data.
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Assessed broadband availability and last-mile connectivity in refugee camps and border areas.
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Analyzed regulatory and market barriers affecting private sector investment.
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Developed recommendations for fiber network configurations and regulatory actions.
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Proposed strategies for cross-border digital integration and regional data infrastructure expansion.
Our impact
The assessment provided the World Bank with a consolidated regional infrastructure baseline, identified investment priorities, and outlined regulatory reforms needed to strengthen regional broadband development. The findings supported planning for cross-border digital integration and future infrastructure programmes.
Duration of engagement: April 2024 – July 2024