Telecom

Uganda to connect refugees to fast internet

Uganda to connect refugees to fast internet
Tuesday, 27 June 2023 18:29

The Ugandan government aims to connect the entire population to the Internet as part of its digital transformation ambitions. According to the latest statistics from the telecoms regulator, Uganda has 25 million Internet users, representing a 60% penetration rate.

The Ugandan government plans to provide high-speed Internet connectivity to refugee camps across the country. The plan was disclosed by Amina Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and National Orientation, on Saturday, June 24.

The initiative is part of Uganda's Universal Digital Transformation Acceleration Program. This program is supported by the World Bank, which recently granted a loan of 1,800 billion shillings ($489.4 million) to the Ugandan government for its implementation. It comprises a number of components, including the improvement and extension of Internet connectivity to last-mile communities.

"This means that when the internet gets to a hospital, a school, government offices, or any facility, the laboratories and the administrative offices are connected so that those people get to use the internet better," explained Ms. Zawedde.

Internet connectivity is expected to provide refugees with the infrastructure they need to educate themselves, learn new languages, acquire various professional skills, and improve their livelihoods. Uganda hosts around 1.5 million refugees, according to estimates by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Isaac K. Kassouwi

On the same topic
Niger Télécoms seeks government support to regain declining market share Operator holds 5.24% mobile market amid Airtel, Moov dominance Government...
MIGA issues $7.96 million guarantee for Mozambique solar project Guarantee covers PPA breach-of-contract risk with utility EDM Plant supplies...
MTN, Huawei expand partnership to modernize telecom networks Deal targets AI-driven operations, autonomous networks, broadband expansion MTN reports...
Algeria plans AI models tailored to local languages, data, economic needs Government to mobilize universities, research centers, start-ups for...
Most Read
01

The BCEAO cut its main policy rate by 25 basis points to 3.00%, effective March 16. Inflation...

BCEAO Cuts Key Rate to 3.00% as WAEMU Faces Deflation
02

Ethio Telecom has signed a new agreement with Ericsson to expand and modernize its telecom netwo...

Ethiopia’s State-Owned Telco Teams Up With Ericsson to Expand and Upgrade Its Network
03

EIB commits over €1 billion for renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa Funding supports Miss...

EIB Commits €1 Billion to Renewable Energy Under Africa’s “Mission 300” Initiative
04

MTN Zambia tests Starlink satellite service connecting phones directly from space Direct-to...

Satellite direct-to-device telecoms: promise, momentum and hard limits
05

Nigeria introduced a 1% flat tax on the turnover of informal-sector businesses under a new presump...

Nigeria Rolls Out 1% Tax on Informal Businesses Under New Fiscal Framework
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

regie@agenceecofin.com 
Tél: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72


EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.