At Internet Society’s 2025 conference, key stakeholders are urging policy actions to tackle critical challenges and seize opportunities for internet development across the continent.
The 2025 Internet Development Conference reinforced the crucial role of regional collaboration, robust digital infrastructure investment, and progressive policy changes in creating a stronger, more inclusive Internet ecosystem in Africa.
Held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the conference brought together policymakers and tech leaders from across Africa to discuss internet progress in the Inter-governmental Authority on Development which has member countries like Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
With 250 attendees representing diverse stakeholders and 50 speakers on stage. They offered insights into pressing regional topics, from governance and infrastructure expansion to digital literacy and policy improvements.
The Conference Concluded with 10 Key Policy Recommendations:
1. Strengthen Regional Collaboration and Integration: Encourage cross-border infrastructure development, align policies, and establish regional regulatory bodies to ensure seamless connectivity and foster economic growth.
2. Prioritize Infrastructure Development and Sharing: Accelerate investments in essential Internet infrastructure by expanding backbone and last-mile connectivity, supporting the development of carrier-neutral data centers, and promoting infrastructure sharing among operators.
3. Expand IXP Deployment: Back the creation and growth of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) to enhance local traffic routing, reduce latency, and lower Internet costs.
4. Bridge the Access Gap through Targeted Interventions: Implement universal access policies and targeted subsidies to connect underserved and rural areas, addressing both connectivity and device affordability.
5 . Develop Digital Skills and Literacy Programmes: Invest in comprehensive digital training initiatives to empower citizens with the skills needed to use the Internet effectively.
6 . Harmonize Digital Strategies and Regulations: Standardize regulatory frameworks across the continent and streamline bureaucratic processes to facilitate investment and cross-border connectivity.
7. Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Cultivate an environment that supports local content creation, tech startups, and broader digital innovation.
8 . Support Open Data Standards for Infrastructure Mapping: Advocate for the adoption of open data standards in telecommunications infrastructure to enhance transparency and guide informed investment decisions.
9 . Encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Leverage private sector expertise and investment through public-private partnerships to expand Internet access and develop infrastructure.
10. Measure and Monitor Internet Connectivity: Utilize data-driven tools to assess Internet performance, detect outages promptly, and track progress toward universal access goals.
These recommendations stem from the recognition that a resilient and accessible Internet is vital for Africa’s social and economic development. According to the Internet Society’s Pulse tool – an index that tracks key metrics related to infrastructure, performance, security, and market readiness – Africa’s overall Internet resilience score now stands at 34, marking a one-percentage-point improvement from 2022 to 2023. This progress translates into more reliable access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for millions across the continent.
Notably, Western and Central Africa each recorded a two-point increase in their overall resilience scores, while East Africa continues to advance, with multiple countries, including Ethiopia, making steady gains.
“While we see promising growth in Internet resilience across Africa, challenges remain in connecting the unconnected and ensuring equitable access for all. This conference has reinforced the importance of infrastructure development and paves the way for deeper regional collaboration on Internet infrastructure, regulatory advancements, and digital innovation,” said Dawit Bekele, Regional Vice President of Internet Society.
