The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has selected Ethiopia as a primary beneficiary of its International Broadband Infrastructure Mapping project. The initiative aims to systematically identify and bridge the persistent connectivity gaps between urban centers and the country’s remote rural areas.
The announcement followed discussions held during a recent visit to Ethiopia by Cosmas Luckyson, Director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT).
During the visit, high-level talks took place between Ethiopian regulatory bodies and ITU representatives. The international organization expressed its strong support for the rapid progress Ethiopia is making in the technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) sectors.
Cosmas stated that Ethiopia was chosen for this technical assistance to enable the government and regulatory authorities to accurately pinpoint areas with infrastructure deficits. By utilizing advanced mapping tools, the ITU plans to provide the statistical data necessary to ensure internet access reaches communities that have previously been digitally excluded.
The representative noted that the project has already commenced, stating, “Together, we can fill these gaps and help people in remote areas access the right technology to benefit their lives.”
The organization praised the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, describing it as one of the most impressive institutions of its kind in the world.
Cosmas specifically lauded the institute’s “homegrown” approach to technology—particularly the practice of training robots in local languages—noting that this ensures the benefits of AI are culturally aligned and accessible to the masses.
Following the establishment of the ITU Regional Office in Addis Ababa, the organization plans to work closely with the African Union to implement Africa’s AI strategy and utilize technology as an accelerator for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
To address rural development challenges, the ITU has provided a comprehensive “toolbox” to help Ethiopia implement “Smart Villages.” This method focuses on delivering digital tools and literacy to areas where private investors might otherwise hesitate to enter due to perceived low profitability.
This strategy includes utilizing a “Universal Service Fund” involving all telecom operators. This fund will be used to support private companies expanding into rural areas, ensuring that digital services are viewed as a basic necessity rather than a luxury.
As technology access expands, the ITU and Ethiopian authorities have made consumer protection a top priority. Plans are in place to conduct “cyber drills” to test the country’s cyber-attack defense capabilities and to establish a robust data privacy protection framework.
“Privacy protection also relies on skill development,” he stated. “When we train people, they become more cautious. They follow guidelines established for the safe use of information and communication technologies.”
This collaborative effort between the ITU, the Ethiopian government, and private operators like Safaricom Ethiopia is expected to transition the country’s telecommunications sector into a new chapter.
