A representative of Intel has called for money from Universal Service Access Funds to be used for broadband adoption in rural Africa to benefit all Africans.
Telecommunications experts were speaking at the USAF forum in Kiwengwa, Zanzibar, organised by the Intel Management and the Universal Communications Services Access Fund (UCSAF).
The session addressed the experiences, challenges and ideas that will help to connect Africa.
Ralph Corey, a director with the World Ahead Programme at Intel, said: “It is vital that USAF funds are utilised for broadband adoption if we are to unlock the transformative benefits for all Africa’s people, as many remain unserved.”
The delegates at the conference unanimously agreed African governments and the IT sector should work hand in hand to deliver universal broadband access across the continent.
This, they emphasised, was key if Africa was to have economic growth, create job opportunities and benefit from various other economic and social benefits.
“The benefits of broadband should not be underestimated as several case studies have detailed wide-ranging benefits of broadband networks. These include expanded economic opportunities and innovation”, said Zanzibar’s second vice president Seif Ali Iddi in his key address.
Officials from regulatory authorities, government officials, USAF managers and broadband stakeholders in Zanzibar also attended the meeting.
