• Training delivered by Smart Africa in partnership with GSMA under World Bank-funded programme

• Session focused on spectrum allocation, pricing models and 5G readiness

• Initiative aims to strengthen regulatory capacity for broadband expansion

African telecommunications regulators participated in a spectrum management training on Monday, delivered by the Smart Africa Alliance in collaboration with the GSMA under a World Bank Group-funded programme. The session took place during MWC26 Barcelona in Spain on 2 March 2026 and focused on strengthening regulatory expertise in spectrum governance across the region.

The workshop focused on how radio frequencies used for mobile voice and data services are allocated, priced and licensed. Experts led sessions on auction design, administrative assignment models, reserve pricing strategies and spectrum refarming for emerging technologies. Discussions also explored technology-neutral licensing frameworks intended to create greater regulatory certainty and attract long-term telecom investment.

Efua Quaye, Director of Digital Infrastructure, Skills and Empowerment at Smart Africa, said effective spectrum governance is central to expanding digital access across Africa. “Spectrum is the backbone of digital connectivity. Effective regulation ensures investments are efficient, networks are reliable, and citizens across Africa can access inclusive digital services,” she said.

The training also focused on practical regulatory tools that can help governments maximise the use of limited frequencies while supporting sustainable growth in the telecommunications sector.

Participants examined the need for cross-border coordination of frequency bands as African countries push for deeper regional digital integration. Regulators also exchanged experiences on expanding connectivity in rural and underserved areas, where high licensing costs and limited infrastructure often slow network rollout. A key theme was how governments can balance revenue generation from spectrum sales with policies that support long-term sector growth and affordability for users.

Pressure on regulators is increasing as more technologies compete for the same finite spectrum resources. The International Telecommunication Union says radio frequencies support not only mobile broadband but also broadcasting, aviation systems, emergency communications and defence networks. As African countries expand 4G coverage and prepare for wider 5G deployment, managing these competing demands while avoiding interference has become more complex.

The rapid expansion of satellite internet services is adding another layer to the challenge. Companies including Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are deploying large constellations of low-Earth-orbit satellites, prompting calls for clearer regulatory frameworks. The African Telecommunications Union has warned that without coordinated policies, the growing number of satellite systems could create interference risks for terrestrial networks and other critical communications infrastructure.

The issue carries significant economic implications. Research on telecommunications markets across Africa indicates that a 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration can boost GDP by between 1.5% and 2.5%.

According to the GSMA Mobile Economy 2026 report, mobile technologies generated $7.6 trillion in economic value in 2025 — representing 6.4% of global GDP — and supported around 50 million jobs worldwide. By 2030, the report projects that 57% of mobile connections will run on 5G networks.

Organizers say strengthening regulatory capacity in spectrum governance will help improve policy predictability, encourage infrastructure investment and expand digital inclusion across African markets.

By Cynthia Ebot Takang