From policy to people: COMESA’s push for universal digital access across Africa

By Elias Hakizimana.

When Dr. Bernard Dzawanda, Director of Infrastructure and Logistics at the COMESA Secretariat, speaks about “universal access,” his eyes light up. For him, it’s not just a bureaucratic phrase buried in a policy document — it’s a promise to millions of Africans still cut off from the digital world.

“We may be talking of a framework or policy, but the bottom line is we want everyone to access these digital instruments,” he says. “Women, children, disadvantaged communities — everyone.”

Across many parts of Africa, a smartphone is not just a gadget; it’s a lifeline. It connects farmers to markets, children to classrooms, and patients to doctors. Yet, in many villages, especially in remote corners of COMESA member states, the internet remains a luxury few can afford. That reality is what the Enhancement of Governance and Enabling Environment in the ICT Sector Programme (EGEE-ICT) is determined to change.

A Regional Dream of Digital Equality

COMESA’s new framework, developed through consultations with all 21 member states, is more than a document — it’s a roadmap for digital inclusivity. The plan sets out how governments can harmonize their ICT policies to make internet access affordable, reliable, and universal.

“We’re creating an enabling environment,” explains Dr. Dzawanda. “In the end, we want this programme to benefit everyone — it’s about inclusivity.”

The EGEE-ICT programme builds on a baseline study that identified major gaps across the region — from high data prices and low device ownership to limited digital literacy. The solution, COMESA believes, lies in harmonised policies, standardised pricing, and targeted interventions that reach those who’ve long been left behind.

Why Rwanda Leads the Way

When COMESA needed a host country for the meeting that would shape this new vision, Rwanda was the natural choice. Known for its efficient governance, quick response, and strong digital agenda, the country embodies what many others aspire to achieve.

“If we request Rwanda to host a meeting, in 48 hours we get a response,” says Dr. Dzawanda. “They appoint a focal person, and everything moves smoothly. They’re also a model in universal access — the government’s efforts to distribute gadgets to citizens is exactly what we want to see across the region.”

Rwanda’s government has long championed digital transformation as a cornerstone of development.

Rodrigue B. Ruhashya, Acting Director General of Digital Transformation at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, says the country’s vision is rooted in inclusion.

“ICT is no longer an option. It’s part of what we do every day, in every sector,” he says. “We want to ensure no one is left behind — every citizen, whether in cities or remote villages, must be part of the digital ecosystem.”

He notes that Rwanda’s fibre-optic network now covers all districts and border posts, providing the backbone for mobile broadband. The Digital Ambassadors Programme has already trained more than 4.5 million citizens, with a goal of achieving universal digital literacy by 2029.

“Our ambition is to reach every Rwandan with digital skills and access to smart devices,” Ruhashya adds. “It’s not just about connectivity — it’s about empowerment.”

Affordability: The Heart of the Struggle

At the core of COMESA’s agenda is a simple question: How can ordinary people afford to connect?

A farmer in Zambia shouldn’t pay double what a student in Rwanda pays for the same data bundle. A mother in a Malawian village should be able to access e-health services without worrying about costs. To achieve this, COMESA wants member states to adopt standardized, fair pricing systems, inspired by the successful One Network Area model used in telecom roaming.

“When someone comes from Zambia or Kenya, they should not be shocked by the pricing,” Dr. Dzawanda emphasizes. “Let’s harmonize. Let’s standardize. But at the end of the day, it must be affordable.”

Ruhashya agrees, noting that the Universal Access Fund, financed by telecom operators, plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between commercial viability and public service.

“Private operators invest where there’s profit, but it’s government’s duty to ensure even remote areas are connected,” he says. “The Universal Access Fund helps us build towers and extend services to those who would otherwise be left out.”

From Framework to Action

The model policy COMESA is developing will serve as a template. Each country will adapt it to its context, but all will share the same pillars — access, affordability, and inclusivity.

This is where the vision meets reality. Governments will need to enact laws, create incentives, and invest in infrastructure that makes connectivity universal. It’s not just a task for ministries of ICT; it’s a cross-sectoral mission touching education, agriculture, and finance.

A Digital Future for All

For now, the EGEE-ICT programme is a regional conversation, but its ultimate goal is deeply human: to make sure no one is left offline.

The next time a child in rural Burundi opens an online textbook, or a Kenyan trader uses mobile banking to grow her business, they’ll be part of the story COMESA is now writing — a story of digital justice across Africa.

“We want to include everyone,” Dr. Dzawanda concludes. “Access, affordability, inclusivity — that’s our mission.”

“By updating and validating universal access policies,” adds Ruhashya, “we are building a future where every African can connect, learn, and thrive.”

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com