Fireside chat: Connectivity Beyond Borders: Unlocking Universal Broadband Access in Africa

Connecting a continent of 1.2B people across 54 unique nations is an undeniably complex operation, shaped by myriad financial, social, environmental, cultural, and regulatory considerations.

Continental broadband penetration is currently around 45%, varying dramatically across regions but some uniting factors persist: broadband’s critical importance to SME and wider socioeconomic development, the vital importance of price in access, rural areas are underserved, and the need for better collaboration.

We’ll explore how innovations in strategy and technology are aiming to ensure that no individual, business, or community is left behind in Africa's pursuit of universal broadband access.

• Patchwork: building complementary networks that leverage the strengths of fibre, satellite, backhaul, and terrestrial to deliver constant, affordable internet

• Tech evo: exploring how technological innovation and better partnerships are redefining the continent's connectivity matrix