世界发展银行-Feasibility-Study-to-Connect-All-African-Higher-Education-Institutions-to-High-Speed-Internet_78页_6mb

Summary of Feasibility Study to Connect all African Higher Education Institutions to High-Speed Internet

Core Content

This feasibility study explores the potential and challenges of connecting all African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to high-speed internet. It emphasizes the critical role of broadband connectivity in enhancing teaching, research, and community outreach in HEIs, especially in the context of the fourth industrial revolution and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education delivery. The study outlines the current state of broadband infrastructure, identifies key gaps, and proposes models and cost estimates for achieving widespread connectivity.

Main Points

• Importance of Broadband Connectivity: Broadband is essential for modernizing HEIs, enabling access to global scientific resources, and supporting online learning and research collaboration. The pandemic highlighted the urgent need for reliable and high-speed internet access in higher education.

• Current Connectivity Gaps: Many African HEIs lack access to high-quality, affordable broadband. The available bandwidth is often limited in capacity and expensive, preventing institutions from fully leveraging research and education networks (RENs).

• Regional and National Networks: Three major regional RENs in Africa are:

  • Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN)
  • West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN)
  • UbuntuNet Alliance (UA)

  However, only about 20 African countries have NRENs that deliver connectivity to HEIs, and fewer than five are considered mature.

• Models for Connectivity: Four models for connecting HEIs to broadband are identified:

  • Model 1: Exclusively via Commercial Service Providers (CSPs)
  • Model 2: Via either CSPs or NRENs
  • Model 3: Exclusively via NRENs
  • Model 4: Hybrid model using CSPs for general access and NRENs for REN traffic

  Model 4 is recommended for mature and competitive markets, while Model 1 is common in countries without established NRENs.

• Device Access: Access to computing devices is crucial for maximizing the benefits of connectivity. A "1:1 computing" model is recommended, where each student and staff member has a personal device. This is particularly important for continuous access to learning materials and global collaboration. The study estimates that USD 17.3 billion is needed for device distribution between 2021 and 2025.

• Campus Network Upgrades: Campus networks are vital for delivering a good broadband experience. Poorly designed networks are a major bottleneck. Upgrading these networks is estimated to cost USD 27.3 billion over five years. Small campuses, which make up about 94% of all HEIs, account for 83% of the total cost. Refining campus size categories can lead to cost reductions, as seen in case studies of Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, and Uganda.

• National and Regional Connectivity Costs: Interconnecting campus networks at the national and regional levels is estimated to cost USD 7.3 billion over the next five years. This depends on factors such as NREN maturity, broadband competition, market structure, and geographic and economic conditions.

• Total Cost Estimate: The total estimated cost for connecting all African HEIs to high-speed internet, including device access, campus network upgrades, and upstream connectivity, is USD 51.9 billion over five years. This figure includes the costs of capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenditures (OpEx).

Key Information

• Key Stakeholders: The study acknowledges the contributions of numerous stakeholders, including:

  • NRENs and RRENs (e.g., KENET, MoRENet, RITER, WACREN)
  • Backbone service providers (e.g., Liquid Telecom, SEACOM)
  • International organizations (e.g., ISOC, NSRC)
  • Development partners (e.g., World Bank, DDP)

• Cost Drivers:

  • Device procurement and distribution
  • Campus network design and infrastructure
  • National and regional backbone connectivity
  • Regulatory environment and market competition

• Recommended Approach:

  • A phased model for device access, starting with first-year students and scaling down over time
  • A combination of NREN and CSPs for connectivity
  • Emphasis on Wi-Fi for campus access
  • Support for developing and strengthening NRENs through government commitment and collaboration with public and private HEIs

• Future Outlook: The study highlights the potential for significant cost reductions through more detailed planning and the development of regional and national RENs. It also underscores the need for a unified strategy involving all relevant stakeholders to address institutional and infrastructural gaps.

Conclusion

The study concludes that while the cost of connecting all African HEIs to high-speed internet is substantial, it is a necessary investment for improving learning outcomes, research collaboration, and employability in the context of the digital economy. A multi-model, stakeholder-driven approach is recommended, with a focus on developing mature NRENs, upgrading campus networks, and ensuring affordable access to computing devices.