{"id":513,"date":"2026-04-29T11:06:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T11:06:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/?page_id=513"},"modified":"2026-06-11T15:08:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T15:08:12","slug":"highlights-april-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/highlights-april-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Highlights – April 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Capacity Development<\/strong>:<\/strong> Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From 13 to 17 April, the ITU Academy, in collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute \u2014 an ITU Academy Training Centre \u2014 organized the first-ever face-to-face training on \u201cStrategic Fiber Optic Infrastructure Deployment and Regulatory Management\u201d in Abuja, Nigeria. The training brought together 27 policymakers and government officials, primarily from across Africa. Combining theory and practice, including a site visit to one of Africa\u2019s largest semiconductor companies, the week-long programme equipped participants with practical knowledge and tools to support effective fiber optic infrastructure deployment in their respective countries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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[This activity is the result of a BDT project. You can find more details of the project here<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: Europe<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Leading on the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative’s Pillar 3 \u2013 on warning dissemination and communication \u2013 ITU\u2019s Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) joined the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) 112 Conference held from 15-17 April in Riga, Latvia. During the session “Latest developments on Public Warning Systems,” BDT presented an update of the initiative\u2019s work and progress across the world, highlighting that more countries are implementing mobile early warning systems to increase resilience and inclusivity. Nevertheless, many countries, especially in Africa and Asia and the Pacific, still face challenges in leveraging digital technologies to reach those at risk. To address this gap, ITU is continuing its efforts to raise awareness of the potential of cell broadcast, and to provide technical assistance to a growing number of countries. BDT also highlighted the work of the Artificial Intelligence for EW4All (AI for EW4All) Group and the Technical Expert Group for Mobile Early Warning Systems (TEG-Mobile).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The session emphasized the widespread application of cell broadcast technology to send alerts across EU countries and underscored the need to look at opportunities for the next generation of multi-channel emergency communications. The discussion explored emerging technologies such as direct-to-device satellite systems, 5G broadcasting, and enhanced Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) alerts from industry actors. During the session “Strengthening Public Warning Worldwide: Contributions of the ITU Technical Experts Group,” BDT shared insights on how countries are exchanging best practices to ensure that their national public warning systems remain state of the art. With technology evolving rapidly, BDT leads the efforts in collaborating with key stakeholders to help ensure timely and reliable warnings reach everyone through every available channel \u2014 maximizing technology’s potential to save lives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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New Members<\/strong>: Arab States<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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CPX is a trusted leader in end-to-end cyber and physical security services, serving more than 100 government and enterprise clients and protecting 100K + end-users. They empower organizations to assess risks, protect assets, and operate with unwavering confidence. They also help enterprises elevate their cyber maturity and succeed in an AI era. CPX\u2019s mission is to deliver transformative cyber and physical security solutions that safeguard digital landscapes and empower communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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BDT conducted a stakeholder consultation to develop the National Emergency Telecommunication Plan (NETP) for the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Held from 23-24 March in Majuro, the consultation brought together participants from government institutions, including the Ministry of Transportation, Communications & Information Technology (MOTC&IT), the Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure & Utilities, and the National Disaster Management Office, among others. The valuable inputs from the participants will be incorporated into the revised draft of the NETP. Following the consultation, participants attended a capacity building session on the implementation of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), as well as an awareness session on ITU\u2019s draft assessment for a common cell broadcast solution (CBS) for Pacific countries. This country assistance is provided under the project \u2018Enhancing Digital and Affordable Access to ICT Services in Asia and the Pacific\u2019, supported by MIC Japan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Network and digital infrastructure<\/strong>: Global<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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AI Show and Tell: ML Tower Detection was presented at the ITU Innovation Hub Open House on 31 March as part of BDT\u2019s engagement in ITU transformation work. Presented to an internal audience, the demo showcased a machine-learning approach to detect telecommunication towers from satellite imagery. This capability will strengthen BDT programmes and projects that depend on high-quality infrastructure data for implementation, including the Connectivity Planning Platform (CPP).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The demo tool is available at https:\/\/bbmaps.itu.int\/sat-img<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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[This activity is the result of a BDT project. You can find more details of the project here<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Other<\/strong>: Global<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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On 30 March, BDT held a Know Your Members session which brought together ITU-D Sector Members for an exchange of information and strengthening relations with BDT. The dialogue helped better understand the private sector’s priorities, explore areas of shared interest, and strengthen engagement in line with the Baku Action Plan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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TDAG<\/strong>: Global<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The 33rd meeting of the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 7 to 10 April. The annual meeting helps to guide the work of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D). The 2026 meeting, the first after the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25), reviewed the outcomes of WTDC-2025 and provided advice to guide the work of ITU-D in the next 4 years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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RDF<\/strong>: Europe<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The annual ITU Regional Development Forum for Europe (RDF-EUR), held on 24 March 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic, welcomed over 80 participants representing 26 Member States, Regional Organizations, UN specialised agencies, Sector Members, Academia and other stakeholders to discuss priority development issues for the region and the implementation of the new Regional Initiatives adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference in 2025 (WTDC-25).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n \n Members Communique <\/a>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Know Your Members series<\/strong>: Global<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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On 30 March, BDT held a Know Your Members session which brought together ITU-D Sector Members for an exchange of information and strengthening relations with ITU\u2019s Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT). The dialogue helped better understand the private sector’s priorities, explore areas of shared interest, and strengthen engagement in line with the Baku Action Plan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Know Your Members series provides personalized and targeted opportunities for membership to share views openly and freely with the BDT Director on their participation in the work of the ITU-D.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Cybersecurity<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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BDT participated in the Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on Teachers: Elevate, Support and Invest in the Teaching Profession, held from 31 March to 2 April in Bangkok, Thailand. During the Forum \u2018s Gallery Walk session, a presentation on ITU’s Child Online Protection (COP) Educator Training, highlighted the Training of Trainers programme for Educators, including the implementation in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Maldives in 2025. The session helped raise awareness among education stakeholders of ITU’s COP resources and initiatives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digital inclusion<\/strong>: Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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On 26 March, the VaMoz Digital! project convened a webinar on Digital Accessibility in Mozambique\u2019s Economic Sectors, bringing together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss inclusive digital transformation. The session highlighted good practices on digital accessibility across sectors, including agriculture, energy, tourism, mining, and industrial parks and helped strengthen participants\u2019 understanding of accessible digital development in Mozambique. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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[This activity is the result of a BDT project. You can find more details of the project here<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digital inclusion<\/strong>: Americas<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Latin America Bootcamp on ICT Network Management for Rural, Remote and Indigenous Communities was held from 18 to 25 March in Puebla, Mexico. The event brought together community leaders, technical practitioners, regulators, academia, and development partners, to strengthen capacities in community network deployment, broadcasting, and sustainable connectivity solutions. Through hands-on training and policy and regulatory discussions, the bootcamp fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration community-driven initiatives in underserved areas across the Americas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: CIS<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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On 17 March, the Early Warnings for All National Roadmap Validation Workshop for Armenia was held in Yerevan, organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in partnership EW4All pillar leads, UNDRR, WMO, ITU, and IFRC, along with UNDP and the UN Resident Coordinator Office. During the workshop, the Government of Armenia reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that everyone, everywhere is protected by life saving early warning alerts and endorsed a joint statement with partners, including BDT to help advance the initiative’s implementation in the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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BDT participated virtually in the Second Workshop of the ASEAN Emergency Telecommunication Network (ETN), held in Vang Vieng, Lao PDR, from 31 March to 1 April. The workshop brought together ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat and partners to review progress of the ASEAN ETN workplan, and discussed priority initiatives on capacity building, infrastructure and services, equipment pre-positioning and standard operating procedures. BDT highlighted the importance of National Emergency Telecommunications Plans, the Tampere Convention and related capacity-building initiatives to support these priorities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Environment<\/strong><\/strong>: Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From 23 to 27 March, the Circular Economy through E\u2011waste Policy and Producer Action in\u2011person training took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together participants from 12 countries across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas. Delivered by ITU Academy, with support from the European Union\u2019s Global Gateway initiative, the training was based on BDT\u2019s Creating a Circular Economy for Electronics programme and included knowledge\u2011exchange sessions and a visit to an e\u2011waste recycling facility. The training aimed to strengthen national and regional capacity on extended producer responsibility and environmentally sound e\u2011waste management, helping translation of policy frameworks into practical action and support digital sustainability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n \n Reference Document <\/a>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Environment<\/strong>: Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The National E waste Management Strategy for Botswana was formally launched by the BDT Director on 31 March, on the International Day of Zero Waste, following its official handover to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority. Developed through close the collaboration between BDT and the Government of Botswana, the Strategy provides a national framework to promote circular economy practices for electronics and unlock green economic opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n \n Reference Document <\/a>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Other<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Mid-term Review of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) (2022-2031) was held from 31 March to 1 April in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, bringing together LDCs, UN entities, regional organizations, and development partners to review progress and challenges in implementing the DPoA. As part of the regional preparatory process for the global Mid-term Review in 2027, the meeting assessed achievements since 2022 and identified priorities for the next phase of the DPoA implementation (2027-2031). During a session on science, technology and innovation, BDT delivered a presentation highlighting the role of digital technologies in addressing multidimensional vulnerabilities and closing persistent connectivity and innovation gaps in LDCs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Other<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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BDT participated in the 3rd Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Preparatory Group for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), organized by the APT on 30 March to2 April in Bangkok, Thailand. Hosted by the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the event brought together APT Members to coordinate regional positions prepare contributions to PP-26. BDT delivered a presentation, outlining the timeline of the preparatory process and other practical information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digital inclusion<\/strong>: Global<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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International Girls in ICT Day was celebrated on 23 April under the theme \u201cAI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future\u201d. The ITU global celebration was co-hosted by the Europe and Americas regions. The event linked Tirana, Albania and Bras\u00edlia, Brazil, highlighting youth voices, fresh ideas, and renewed governmental commitment to closing the gender digital divide and building girls\u2019 digital skills. In Tirana, the event was organized in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Authority of the Republic of Albania while, in Bras\u00edlia, the celebration was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications of the Federative Republic of Brazil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digital inclusion<\/strong><\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Opening Ceremony of Girls in ICT Day Thailand 2026 took place on 23 April at the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) of Thailand in Bangkok, under the theme \u201cAI for development: Girls shaping the digital future\u201d. Organized by ITU\u2019s Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) and the Office of the NBTC of Thailand, the hybrid event gathered over 800 participants, including youth joining virtually from remote areas across Thailand through the Universal Service Obligation NET centers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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During the Opening Session, representatives from the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, the Office of the NBTC, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and the Ministry of Education delivered welcoming remarks and keynote addresses. During the panel sessions, youth moderators, speakers from various sectors, including UN agencies, industry, and academia, discussed the importance of empowering girls and young women through promoting STEM education, ICT careers, and digital and AI skill development. The session discussions also addressed the digital skills needed for young people to prepare for the future of jobs, the role of universities in supporting digital and AI skills development for girls and young women, as well as the challenges in ensuring inclusive and safe use of ICT and AI by young people. The programme also featured an interactive session to engage youth participants, capturing their reflections on the event and their expectations and suggestions for the upcoming Girls in ICT Day Thailand 2026 programme activities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digital inclusion<\/strong>: Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The ITU Regional Office for Africa, in collaboration with UN Women and the African Union Commission, successfully convened the 2026 International Girls in ICT Day celebrations in Ethiopia on 22\u201323 April 2026 at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The first day engaged over 70 girls from schools, universities, and surrounding communities in Addis Ababa in hands on learning activities focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence to address community challenges. Alumni of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) and the African Union Go Gal Initiative shared inspiring personal journeys, highlighting how access to digital skills has expanded professional opportunities and future horizons. The second day brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including UN agencies, members of the diplomatic community, private sector representatives, and girls from six schools across Addis Ababa. The programme featured recorded messages from the ITU Secretary General and the BDT Director, followed by opening remarks from the ITU Regional Director for Africa, UN Women, and the African Union Directorate for Women, Gender and Youth. An intergenerational dialogue explored pathways to achieving inclusive and responsible use of AI for sustainable development in Africa. In total, around 200 girls participated in the two day event, including 17 refugee girls supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), underscoring the strong commitment to inclusive digital empowerment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From 20 to 22 April, ITU participated in the 4th Africa Multi Hazard Early Warning and Action System (AMHEWAS) Meeting in Douala, Cameroon, organized by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The meeting focused on reviewing progress in the implementation of AMHEWAS and on discussing challenges related to the interoperability and co production of Situation Rooms, drought monitoring systems, and anticipatory action mechanisms. It provided a platform for exchanges on best practices, new products and services, and challenges encountered by Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and the African Union. A dedicated session was also held on Simulation Exercise. The meeting concluded with the adoption of priority actions and the workshop action matrix, which formally integrated ITU as the Pillar 3 Lead for the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative within the AMHEWAS activities. At the end of the event, a technical visit to the Economic Community of Central African States Situation Room took place in Douala.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Environment<\/strong><\/strong>: Global<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The third and final study tour under the International Exchange Initiative on E\u2011waste Regulation, a joint project of BDT and the Government of Colombia, took place from 20 to 24 April in Pretoria, South Africa. Participants from the six participating countries\u2014Colombia, the Dominican Republic, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, and South Africa\u2014shared best practices and visited e-waste recycling facilities in Pretoria and Johannesburg. The weeklong activity centered discussions on how emerging technologies backed by innovative policies can support the transition to a circular economy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Network and digital infrastructure<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, in partnership with AITI Brunei, delivered a three-day Foundational Spectrum Management Training from 21 to 23 April in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, strengthening the technical and regulatory competencies of AITI officers across the national spectrum management responsibilities. The activity enhanced institutional capacity to apply internationally harmonised practices in spectrum planning, licensing, monitoring, and policy, directly contributing to achieving Expected Outcome\u202f6 of the Asia-Pacific Regional Initiative\u202f3. In the longer term, the strengthened capacity is expected to improve spectrum efficiency, regulatory effectiveness, and readiness for emerging technologies, supporting sustainable digital development in line with WTDC Resolution\u202f9 (Rev.\u202fBaku,\u202f2025).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Network and digital infrastructure<\/strong>: Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From 14\u201318 April, BDT supported the Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) in rolling out the G5 Summit, convening senior regulators and development partners to advance regional dialogue on fifth-generation connectivity, digital infrastructure, and spectrum governance, while also participating in the CRASA 15th Annual General Meeting. Key outcomes included strengthened alignment on regional regulatory priorities and a shared agenda for 5G. BDT\u2019s contribution provided technical expertise and policy guidance at both events, reinforcing regional regulatory frameworks and supporting harmonized approaches to spectrum management and 5G rollout. Moving forward, BDT will work with CRASA members to implement the G5 Summit recommendations, deliver targeted capacity building on spectrum governance and 5G policy, and support AGM follow-up actions to advance harmonized digital regulation across Southern Africa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Africa-BB-Maps<\/strong><\/strong>: Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The first in-person training session of the Africa-BB-Maps Eastern cohort was successfully delivered from 20 to 24 April 2026 as a five-day residential capacity development programme in Kampala, Uganda, bringing together 21 participants from Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, and the East African Communications Organisation (EACO). The training strengthened participants\u2019 practical competencies in GIS, broadband mapping, and data management through hands-on exercises and peer learning. In parallel, participants initiated the formation of a regional Community of Practice to support continued knowledge exchange, peer collaboration, and problem-solving beyond the training. The session marked an important milestone in building national capacity and regional cooperation for sustainable broadband mapping systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Capacity Development: Africa From 13 to 17 April, the ITU Academy, in collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute \u2014 an ITU Academy Training Centre \u2014 organized the first-ever face-to-face training on \u201cStrategic Fiber Optic Infrastructure Deployment and Regulatory Management\u201d in Abuja, Nigeria. The training brought together 27 policymakers and government officials, primarily from across Africa. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-513","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/513","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=513"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/513\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}