As Ericsson rolls out its #AfricaInMotion strategy, the telecommunications giant is actively calling on African governments to strengthen policies that promote digital inclusion, with a specific focus on expanding internet access and digital learning. Ayub Osman, head of sustainability and corporate responsibility for Ericsson Middle East and Africa, emphasized in an interview with ITWeb Africa that governments must work in close partnership with the private sector, particularly with communication providers and tech companies, to accelerate the development of critical digital infrastructure.
Ericsson’s Role in GIGA: Mapping and Connecting Schools for Digital Learning
Ericsson has been a key supporter of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) GIGA initiative, which launched in 2019 with the aim of connecting schools worldwide. In Africa, GIGA has established a foothold across several countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Ghana. The GIGA project is based on three foundational pillars:
- Mapping: Real-time mapping of school locations and their connectivity status.
- Modeling: Assessing the infrastructure, policies, and investment models required for connectivity.
- Contracting: Assisting governments in securing contracts for school connectivity.
Osman highlighted the critical role of the “mapping” stage, stating, “Mapping the connectivity landscape is essential for connecting every school to the internet and providing each child with access to learning opportunities.” As part of this effort, Ericsson has developed an app, Daily Check, to gather, monitor, and visualize data on school connectivity in real time. Through this tool and its partnership with UNICEF and GIGA, Ericsson has already connected 546 public schools in Kenya, impacting over 340,000 students and teachers.
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Expanding Digital Resources for Teachers and Students
For students, the internet provides instant access to learning materials and educational resources that transcend geographical limitations. This democratization of knowledge empowers students with opportunities otherwise unavailable in remote or under-resourced areas. “The internet can serve as a boundless repository of information,” Osman noted, “putting a wealth of knowledge at the fingertips of any student who has connectivity.”
Teachers benefit from online assessment tools that help evaluate student progress, pinpoint individual learning needs, and tailor educational approaches accordingly. Moreover, the internet offers teachers access to diverse lesson planning tools and innovative educational resources, enabling them to enhance learning experiences. These digital tools, Osman asserts, can drive a more data-informed approach to policy-making as well, giving officials real-time insights into the impact and reach of digital learning initiatives.
Kenya’s National Broadband Strategy: A Blueprint for Africa
In Kenya, Ericsson’s involvement in the GIGA initiative aligns closely with the country’s National Broadband Strategy, which aims to connect every school to the internet by 2030. This comprehensive approach not only focuses on increasing access to digital education but also aims to ensure that the connectivity provided is reliable and affordable, a key element of Ericsson’s #AfricaInMotion mission.
“Governments play a vital role in making digital learning part of education policies,” Osman explained, adding that affordable, dependable access is essential for the success of digital inclusion initiatives. The collaborative model outlined by Osman underscores the need for a partnership-driven strategy to overcome connectivity barriers, with private sector expertise and technology enhancing government-led policies.
Building Sustainable Infrastructure for a Digital Future in Africa
The #AfricaInMotion initiative from Ericsson is part of a broader vision to create sustainable digital ecosystems across Africa. Ericsson recognizes that building a foundation of digital infrastructure is essential to close the digital divide and support broader societal advancement. “Building infrastructure to support digital learning is the starting point,” Osman said, emphasizing that “governments must prioritize partnerships with communication service providers and tech companies to realize these goals.”
Ericsson’s commitment to working alongside African governments reflects its strategic belief that digital education will empower the next generation across the continent, driving economic growth and creating a more digitally literate society. The impact of this initiative and its partnerships holds potential not only for educational upliftment but also for socioeconomic transformation across Africa, making it a vital step toward sustainable, inclusive growth.
