pida sector
ict infrastructure
Enhancing digital connectivity, promoting broadband access, and developing regional networks to support economic growth, improve communication, and facilitate information exchange across Africa
Overview
The PIDA Information and Communication Technology sector is Africa’s comprehensive plan to build digital highways connecting the entire continent. Just like physical roads help people and goods move, these digital roads help information, ideas, and opportunities flow between countries and communities, fostering economic growth and social development.
Benefits of Services
PIDA envisions an Africa where every citizen has access to affordable, reliable internet and communication services. The ICT vision aims to develop efficient, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly infrastructure for the physical integration of the continent and enhance access to modern digital services for the majority of the African population.
- Increase broadband penetration by 10% across Africa
- Reduce the cost of internet access by 50%
- Connect all African countries with terrestrial fiber optic cables
- Establish Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in countries without them
- Connect each country to at least two different submarine cables for redundancy
Outline
Overview
The PIDA ICT Infrastructure
Info-graphics and Stats
PIDA ICT Projects
Success Stories
Challenges and Solutions
Future Outlook
Invest Now
PIDA’s ICT sector projects require significant investment to achieve continental connectivity:
ICT Sector: Driving Africa's Digital Transformation
PIDA's ICT initiatives are revolutionizing Africa’s digital landscape by connecting 17 countries with high-speed optical fiber, establishing robust digital infrastructures, and fostering an inclusive digital economy. These projects not only bridge the digital divide but also spur innovation, improve governance, and empower communities across the continent.
Infographics & Key Stats
9 Terabits Capacity
150% of target achieved
17 Countries Connected
High-speed optical links
38 IXPs
Improved local traffic exchange
14 Cybersecurity Ratifications
Enhanced digital security
ICT Project Status
PAP1 and PAP2 have rapidly advanced ICT projects across Africa. Many initiatives—from expanding fiber-optic networks to upgrading Internet Exchange Points—are already operational or under construction. These projects are strategically designed to connect urban centers with remote regions, ensuring that digital opportunities reach every corner of the continent. Continuous monitoring and collaboration among national governments, regional bodies, and private partners are key to maintaining this momentum.
Project Costs
The ICT investments under PIDA are financed through an innovative mix of public–private partnerships, multilateral loans, and private equity. This blended approach minimizes financial risk and maximizes the impact of each dollar invested. By leveraging shared resources and regional development funds, PIDA ensures that ICT projects are not only cost-effective but also sustainable, paving the way for long-term digital growth.
ICT Investment (PAP1)
$10.4 Billion
ICT Investment (PAP2)
$12.8 Billion (Projected 2021-2030)
Featured ICT Projects
Several flagship projects illustrate the impact of PIDA’s ICT strategy:
- Central African Backbone (CAB): A multi-phase fiber-optic network connecting several Central African countries, significantly reducing connectivity costs and boosting capacity.
- East Africa Broadband Network (EABN): High-speed fiber links connecting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania, promoting regional trade and innovation.
- Internet Exchange Point (IXP) Expansion: Upgrading IXPs across Africa to ensure efficient local data routing, lower latency, and improved service reliability.
Success Stories
ICT projects under PIDA have generated tangible benefits. In Central Africa, new fiber-optic links have enabled remote regions to access global internet services, driving economic growth and social inclusion. In East Africa, enhanced digital connectivity has supported e-governance, digital banking, and public service delivery improvements. The expansion of IXPs has also spurred local content development and innovation, further strengthening the continent’s digital ecosystem.
Challenges & Opportunities
While significant progress has been made, the ICT sector faces several challenges. Regulatory hurdles, financing constraints, and a shortage of skilled personnel can slow down project implementation. However, these challenges present opportunities for policy reform, innovation, and capacity building. By embracing emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, and satellite broadband, PIDA is well-positioned to overcome obstacles and accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.
Future Outlook (PAP2 2021-2030)
The vision for Africa’s ICT future is ambitious. The next phase of PIDA aims to achieve 100% mobile broadband coverage, deploy extensive fiber-optic backbone networks to connect all major urban centers, and establish Tier 3 data centers across regions. With a focus on rolling out 5G networks in at least 25 countries and implementing comprehensive digital skills programs, PIDA is working to achieve 50% internet penetration and create a thriving, inclusive digital market across Africa.
About Us
The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) is a strategic initiative launched by the African Union to address critical infrastructure gaps across the continent.
pida@auda-nepad.org