ICT Policy & Regulation - Institutional Strengthening (iPRIS) contributes to bridging the digital divide by enhancing inclusive and meaningful digital connectivity in Africa. It does so by boosting the capacities of African telecom regulators through peer-to-peer learning with African and European counterparts.

iPRIS is coordinated and implemented by SPIDER, in strategic and technical partnership with the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) and the Luxembourg Regulatory Institute (ILR). It builds on the success of a similar programme implemented by SPIDER and PTS which engaged 27 English-speaking African regulators between 2016 and 2022.

Between 2023 and 2028, iPRIS will engage national and regional telecom regulators in 43 countries across sub-Saharan Africa to drive social and economic prosperity using ICT. Telecom regulators are key to ensuring ICT access, competition, consumer protection, and innovation in order to unlock development potential.

Mission  
IPRIS is committed to shaping a connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered future. The iPRIS project aligns with global efforts to bridge the digital divide, emphasising the crucial role of robust regulatory frameworks in propelling the region into the digital age.

Vision
A connected Africa where everyone enjoys social, economic and environmental prosperity.

Purpose
Bridging the digital divide by enhancing digital connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa, and by creating opportunities for knowledge exchange amongst African countries, and between the EU and Africa. Collaboration is the key to catalysing inclusive access and to propel digital opportunities in order to achieve prosperity and sustainability.

iPRIS is funded by the European Union, Sweden, and Luxembourg as part of the Team Europe Initiative “D4D for Digital Economy and Society in Sub-Saharan Africa” (Code: 001).

The iPRIS project is implemented by SPIDER (the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions ), The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), and the Luxembourg Regulatory Institute (ILR).

SPIDER coordinates the project and offers its expertise in the digital international development sector and in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

PTS is regulation content and policy lead for the project. ILR brings its expertise in European regulation and policy for the French speaking countries.

To learn more about the partners click here.

“Change Initiatives” are strategic projects undertaken to bridge the digital divide by addressing challenges and opportunities within the ICT sector. They are the corner-stone of iPRIS and are specifically designed to align with the strategic agendas of regulatory bodies.  The change initiatives focus on policy development and implementation linked to key issues within the ICT sector, such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory inefficiencies, or digital inclusion barriers

National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), also called telecom regulators, are official bodies appointed by governments to represent and advocate for the interests and rights of consumers in the digital marketplace. In the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, NRAs develop and enforce policies and regulations that protect consumers, promote fair competition, and encourage innovation.

Regional Regulatory Organisations (RROs) play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, coordination standardisation, and regulatory convergence among member states. This allows them to address common challenges and promote harmonisation of regulations among member countries, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping the regulatory environment and fostering industry growth within their regions.