Giga, an ambitious initiative aimed at providing internet connectivity to schools worldwide by 2030, is intensifying its efforts in Africa through new partnerships.
Giga recently announced the signing of collaboration agreements with Smart Africa and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). These partnerships are designed to support Giga’s vision of connecting all African schools to the internet by the end of this decade.
“The potential impact on children of Giga’s collaboration with Smart Africa and ECA is exciting and extremely promising. Together, we can equip a generation of learners with the digital skills, tools, and expertise they need to engage in a technologically advanced world,” said Thomas Davin, Director of UNICEF’s Office of Innovation.
The three-year agreements aim to enhance African governments’ access to a diverse range of sustainable, affordable, high-speed, and high-quality internet options. Additionally, these initiatives will offer policy and regulatory guidance to facilitate smoother implementation of internet projects.
In tandem with signing agreements with Smart Africa and ECA, Giga has already established partnerships with Jumia, an e-commerce giant, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a prominent tech firm. The initiative is actively collaborating with the governments of Rwanda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Niger, and Zimbabwe to accelerate internet connectivity in schools.
A market study published by Giga in April 2024 underscores the importance of collaboration among development partners, governments, and industry suppliers in achieving the goal of connecting every school in Africa by 2030. The study highlights the urgent need to accelerate efforts to expand connectivity; incentivize the industry to deliver internet services at scale; mobilize political commitment to invest in connectivity infrastructure; and define clear actions to align supply with demand.
To realize this ambitious goal, an estimated budget of $3 billion will be required. Current statistics from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) indicate that as of May 2024, only 40% of primary schools and 50% of lower secondary schools in Africa have internet access. This stark reality emphasizes the critical need for initiatives like Giga to bridge the digital divide in education.
