The future of ICT in Africa

Pygma conducted in-depth, multi-regional research on the African ICT sector. The research was intended to equip a regional bank to conduct informed scenario planning and forecasting in the medium- and long term.

ICT access for
persons with disabilities

The South African project surveyed 1 500 persons with disabilities across all nine provinces to assess the nature of access to ICT. The study interrogated the various scenarios where ICT could have an impact on persons with disabilities. The findings informed future possibilities when it comes to regulation, ensuring digital inclusion and standardisation for all.

Broadband Study in Kenya

The World Bank commissioned Mandla Msimang to conduct a study entitled ‘Build it and they will come’ – it included on-the-ground research and interviews that related to the Kenyan broadband success story. The study details the obstacles and opportunities that undersea cables brought to the country, the rolling out of innovative ICT projects, and the challenges of connecting the unconnected in Kenya.

Market entry and licensing

Pygma provided regulatory support and advisory services to an innovative new entrant, which now has a pan-African footprint. The basis of the long-term engagement was to explore new markets such as Cameroon and Ivory Coast, as well as secure licences in the priority countries identified by Pygma Consulting. Pygma also provided in-house regulatory services to the client, providing on going advice to its regulatory teams in Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and DRC.

Funding Universal Service
and Access Toolkit

Members of the Pygma team were commissioned by the ITU as regional and international experts, to design a toolkit for funding universal service and access. The project involved the preparation of a user-friendly and practical toolkit to assist regulators and fund managers to use universal service funds to bring more people in the SADC region into the broadband revolution, and thus address the challenges of connecting the unconnected. The toolkit was informed by an international benchmark study, as well as extensive research and analysis which unpacked all aspects of universal service and access in Africa, and how to address the digital divide.

Market assessment for expansion

Along with a partner, Pygma Consulting provided consulting services and market research for a South African ICT company looking to expand into eight countries across the continent. The project focused on identifying opportunities, as well as analysing and assessing the operating environment of each country.

Regulatory analysis across
the African continent

Pygma conducted a regulatory analysis of 22 African countries across all regions for a multinational operator. The project analysed the regulatory landscape and legislative framework in each country. In addition, Pygma conducted an in-depth analysis of each country’s spectrum regulations, planning and allocations, and fees. The review also looked at other sectors where there may be concurrent jurisdiction, noting which took precedence, and providing a regulatory matrix. This research enabled the client to make critical investment decisions on which countries to enter, and on the strategic approach and timing of market entry.

Licensing of a new
Telecommunications Operator

Pygma provided advisory services in the analysis of applications and licensing of a new entrant in Southern Africa into the mobile telecoms market. The licensing advisory services were informed by analysis such as benchmarking studies, market research, and financial modelling, which all informed licence terms and conditions.

Reviewing the national
numbering plan

Pygma conducted a review of the existing numbering plan (+27 XXX) in South Africa to ensure that it was still robust and efficient enough to support the growing number of people and devices that were envisaged to be connected using ICTs and “dialling” numbers. The review led to an amendment of the numbering plan and regulations, as well as regulatory and consumer guidance on the implementation of the new plan.

Parliamentary training on new
ICT and postal legislation

Pygma was on separate occasions commissioned to provide extensive training to members of the South African Parliament and the Zambian Parliament on convergence and other developments in the ICT sector, strategies for legislating and approaches to regulating the sector. The training was intended to provide a solid foundation of understanding for the Members of Parliament who would be responsible for holding the sector and the government accountable for the growth of the sector.

Training of the Judiciary on
Telecommunications law and regulations

Pygma prepared and delivered in-depth training to over 15 members of the judiciary of a SADC country on ICT trends, a legislative and market overview, technical and economic regulations, licensing frameworks and requirements, universal access and services, and overall ICT trends and implications on regulation.

Local Economic
Empowerment Framework

Pygma Consulting was commissioned by a central African Agency responsible for the implementation of newly enacted legislation towards local economic empowerment. Pygma developed an industry participation framework on behalf of the agency and produced a consolidated report setting out the findings of the conference and highlighting areas of contention with the legislation.