Kenya has joined ten other African countries set to benefit from the European Union’s $16.5 million Africa Broadband Mapping Systems (Africa-BB-Maps) project. The initiative, launched in Nairobi, is a significant milestone in bridging the continent’s digital divide and advancing connectivity across underserved regions. As part of the broader EU digital agenda, the project aims to expand subsea cable infrastructure and enhance broadband accessibility, positioning Kenya as a central player in Africa’s digital transformation journey.
The Africa-BB-Maps project will run from 2025 to 2028 under the leadership of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with EU funding. Its primary goal is to build or strengthen harmonized national broadband mapping systems across 11 countries, including Kenya, Angola, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and others. This effort will ensure that governments, regulators, and stakeholders have access to accurate data for policy-making and investment planning, enabling more equitable Internet access across both urban and rural areas.
In addition to the $16.5 million allocated for the Africa-BB-Maps, the EU has pledged a larger investment of $330 million to accelerate digital infrastructure development across the continent. In Kenya, the initiative will directly benefit communities by connecting 1,000 primary schools to broadband, providing students and educators with access to digital tools and resources critical for education in the modern age. This marks a major step in improving both learning outcomes and digital inclusion.
The Communications Authority of Kenya highlighted the urgency of such interventions, noting that only 47.5% of Kenyan households have Internet access, with rural penetration as low as 26%. Addressing this gap is essential for driving economic growth, creating opportunities, and supporting innovation. With 164 sub-locations in Kenya still lacking 3G and 4G coverage, the Africa-BB-Maps initiative represents a crucial opportunity to bring affordable, reliable connectivity to communities that have long been left behind.
Kenya Selected in EU Broadband Project
