10. Africa-Europe Study Visit, Regional Harmonisation and Community of Practice Training

Information

Date/Time: 30 November – 4 December 2026

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Venue: Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie.

Study Visit: EU Parliament, Brussels.

Registration link for the in-person participants : Africa-Europe Regional Harmonization Study Visit and Training Workshop

Registration link for remote participants: Africa-Europe Regional Harmonization Training Workshop

Description

The Africa-Europe Study Visit, Regional Harmonisation and Community of Practice Training is designed for policymakers, telecommunications regulators and technical specialists involved in broadband mapping and digital connectivity policy. Organised within the framework of the ITU-EU Africa-BB-Maps initiative, the training aims to strengthen regional cooperation and develop practical approaches to using broadband infrastructure data for investment planning and evidence-based policymaking.

The programme combines policy discussions, collaborative exercises and three interconnected simulations that follow the regional broadband investment and policy cycle.

Participants will first examine a cross-border broadband investment proposal, assessing the availability, quality and comparability of national broadband data against investment requirements. Building on the challenges identified, they will then work towards developing common data definitions, schemas, metadata requirements, quality standards, governance arrangements and mechanisms for regional data sharing.

The final stage focuses on establishing a regional Community of Practice framework to sustain collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange and support the implementation of agreed approaches. Participants will also develop a sequenced Work Programme for 2027–2028, identifying priorities, responsibilities and implementation milestones.

The programme will include a study visit to European institutions, providing participants with an opportunity to learn about EU institutional and legislative processes and exchange experiences on regional policy coordination and digital governance.

Through these activities, the training will contribute to three key outputs: ITU-EU Investment Mapping and Prioritisation Guidance, a Common Data Standards and Data Sharing Framework, and a Regional Community of Practice Framework and Work Programme for 2027–2028.

Who can participate?

The training is designed for policymakers, regulators, technical focal points and specialists involved in the governance, regulation or implementation of national broadband mapping systems and digital connectivity policies.

Participants will primarily include representatives from national regulatory authorities and relevant ministries from the eleven Africa-BB-Maps participating countries: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and CRASA, EACO, and WATRA.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications or experience needed to participate in this training course:

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Analyse broadband coverage, service quality, infrastructure, population and cost data required to assess regional broadband investment proposals.
  • Assess the completeness, comparability, provenance and limitations of national broadband data submitted for investment planning.
  • Identify and prioritise policy, institutional, governance and reporting gaps affecting broadband investment planning across countries and regional corridors.
  • Develop common data definitions, schemas, metadata requirements, quality standards, licensing provisions and governance arrangements for regional broadband data sharing.
  • Differentiate between requirements that call for regional harmonisation and matters that should remain under national authority.
  • Formulate practical mechanisms for data sharing among regulators, ministries, operators, countries and regional organisations, while addressing confidentiality, commercial sensitivity, institutional capacity and implementation costs.
  • Design a regional Community of Practice framework defining its purpose, membership, leadership, responsibilities, reporting arrangements and resources.
  • Develop a sequenced Work Programme for 2027–2028, assigning priorities, responsibilities and implementation milestones.
  • Present and justify evidence-based recommendations developed through collaborative policy simulations.

Methodology

The training will be delivered through facilitated sessions combining technical briefings, collaborative group work, policy simulations, negotiations and plenary presentations.

Participants will be organised into three working groups representing hypothetical regional broadband corridors. The groups will progress through three interconnected simulations:

Simulation 1: Responding to a Donor Data Submission Template

Participants will examine a cross-border broadband investment proposal and assess whether the available national data meets the requirements for investment appraisal. They will identify gaps in broadband coverage, service quality, infrastructure information, underserved populations and investment costs, as well as the institutional and governance challenges affecting data comparability.

Simulation 2: Developing a Common Data Standards and Data Sharing Framework

Building on the findings of the first simulation, participants will negotiate and develop a common regional framework covering data definitions, schemas, metadata, quality standards, governance, licensing and information-sharing mechanisms. The exercise will consider differences in national regulatory frameworks, institutional capacities and confidentiality requirements.

Simulation 3: Establishing a Community of Practice Framework and Action Plan

Participants will develop a framework for a regional Community of Practice, defining its purpose, membership, governance, leadership and working arrangements. They will also formulate a Work Programme for 2027–2028, identifying priority activities, responsibilities, resources and implementation milestones.

The programme will additionally include a study visit to European institutions, offering participants insights into EU institutional and legislative processes and opportunities for knowledge exchange with European counterparts.

Assessment and Grading

Participants will be assessed through the following activities:

  • Participation in discussions and case study analysis: 30%
  • Policy simulation exercise (in person) or scenario reflection assignment (online): 30%
  • Final policy recommendation presentation or written assignment: 40%

Total: 100%

A minimum score of 70% is required to obtain the ITU certificate for face-to-face participants. Participants must attend all sessions to qualify for the certificate or badge.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive an ITU Academy certificate confirming that they have met the course requirements and achieved the learning objectives.