SoftBank Corp., a leading Japanese conglomerate, and the Smart Africa Secretariat, a pan-African organization, have entered into a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide in Africa. The partnership aims to provide affordable and accessible internet connectivity to the continent’s underserved regions, with a focus on achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Partnership Objectives
- Provide affordable internet connectivity to Africa’s underserved regions
- Reduce internet costs through the deployment of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Solutions
- Build affordable internet infrastructure to support digital transformation (DX) in Africa
- Align with Smart Africa’s goal of realizing a single digital market on the continent through Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The partnership will focus on the Bulk Capacity Purchase Project, an initiative that aims to deliver affordable internet connectivity for African citizens through the large-scale joint procurement efforts of Smart Africa member countries. SoftBank will contribute to this project by deploying its NTN Solutions, which will utilize the connectivity services of OneWeb, Skylo, and HAPSMobile, among other solutions, that provide connectivity from space and the stratosphere.
The Benefits of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Solutions
NTN Solutions offer several benefits, including:
- Reducing internet costs by increasing connectivity options
- Providing connectivity from space and the stratosphere, reducing latency and increasing reliability
- Enabling the deployment of affordable internet infrastructure in remote and underserved areas
These benefits will enable SoftBank and Smart Africa to bridge the digital divide in Africa by providing accessible and affordable internet connectivity to the continent’s underserved regions.
The Five African Countries Identified for Partnership
The partnership will begin by identifying demand for NTN solutions and conducting further feasibility studies in the following five African countries:
- Republic of Djibouti
- Arab Republic of Egypt
- Republic of Kenya
- Kingdom of Morocco
- Republic of Rwanda
These countries have already expressed interest in the Bulk Capacity Purchase Project and are expected to benefit from the partnership.
Collaboration with Organizations to Achieve SDGs
The partnership will also draw up implementation plans and consider potential market entries in the future. Additionally, through a series of engagements, this partnership will work to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing digital solutions that address societal challenges.
SoftBank’s commitment to achieving the SDGs is evident in its six key initiatives, including:
- Building high-quality social communication networks
- Providing digital solutions that address societal challenges
- Reducing digital divides and promoting digital inclusion
Conclusion
The partnership between SoftBank and Smart Africa marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of affordable and accessible internet connectivity in Africa. By working together, they aim to bridge the digital divide and contribute to the realization of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
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