Countries with special needs

‘Countries with special needs’ as defined in ITU resolutions are countries that have gone through periods of armed conflict, civil strife or war and suffered destruction to their telecommunication infrastructure.

ITU provides technical assistance, seed money for the reconstruction of the damaged networks and seeks partners willing to co-finance projects in these countries. Projects are focus on four key areas:

  • Development of infrastructure and introduction of new technologies
  • Development of rural telecommunications
  • Sector restructuring
  • Human resources development

Below is a list of countries falling in this category*:

  • Afghanistan
  • Burundi
  • Central African Republic – WTDC Resolution 25
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Haiti
  • Iraq – PP Resolution 193
  • Liberia
  • Libya – WTDC Resolution 83
  • State of Palestine – PP Resolution and WTDC Resolution
  • Rwanda
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan – WTDC Resolution 25
  • Timor-Leste

* Based on ITU categorization

Digital Impact Unlocked in ‘Countries with special needs’