Communication kit on Policy & Regulation

The overall objective of PRIDA project is to create a favorable policy environment and regulatory conditions that support and facilitates Africa Digital Transformation and Integration.

This project is in line with the African Union Commission (AUC) mandate in harmonizing policies and coordinating regional initiatives. As stated in the Cairo declaration in 2008, African Ministers of ICT and communication committed to harmonize the Telecommunication/ICT and postal policies at regional and continental levels as a key factor for enabling social and economic development in Africa.

In this regards, PRIDA project aims to enhance the level of harmonization of ICT & Telecommunication Policy, Legal and Regulatory frameworks in Africa, strengthen cooperation between National Telecommunications Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and Regional Association of Regulators as well as sensitize and raise awareness of African policymakers, decision makers, public authorities and civil society on the cross cutting and increasing use ICTs in all sectors.

It is worth noting that harmonized policies and an efficient regulatory environment has the potential to build a consolidate continental digital ecosystem, address the root causes of market failure in Africa, foster the development of an inclusive digital economy and contribute to a greater consumer welfare. It will further increase competition and trigger an opening up of ICT markets across the continent for more efficiency and affordability of services.

As part of the implementation of PRIDA project, a continental Monitoring & Evaluation methodology applicable to Africa context is being developed to support and measure the harmonization of ICT policies and regulations at regional and continental levels, a forward-looking agenda that includes the development of policy and regulatory guidelines on a limited number of topics of common interests for AU Member States as well as a continental harmonization strategy is being developed.

PRIDA Project Strategic objectives are:

1. Foster the development of policy, legal and regulatory frameworks in support of the development of ICT sector in Africa.
2. Achieve a high level of continental policy and legislative harmonization through the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation methodology and a Continental Harmonization Strategy to consolidate Africa digital market.
3. Strengthen continental regulatory harmonization through cooperation between National Regulatory Telecommunications / ICT Authorities, Regional  Association of Regulators and the African Union Commission.