Special Programme for Least Developed Countries

The Special Programme for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is a highly focused initiative of ITU that is administered by the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT). Its primary objective is to bridge the digital divide between the rest of the world and the world's 49 poorest countries. In its effort to bridge the digital divide, the programme focuses on reforming the telecommunication sector of these countries so as to introduce new structures, which are more conducive to faster and sustained telecommunication development, with well-managed and modern networks. It also seeks to increase the penetration of telecommunication services so as to achieve universal access to those services.

The Special Programme for LDCs provides assistance to targeted countries in the following priority areas:

• introduction of new technologies,

• sector restructuring,

• rural telecommunication development,

• human resources development/management,

• financing and tariffs.

Call for Partners

Development Partners are sought to co-finance activities listed below.