African telecommunications regulators gathered at MWC26 in Barcelona on Monday to participate in a training aimed at strengthening spectrum management skills, a crucial step for expanding broadband and 5G services across the continent. The session was delivered by the Smart Africa Alliance in partnership with the GSMA, under a programme funded by the World Bank Group.
The workshop focused on radio frequency allocation, pricing models, licensing frameworks, and emerging technologies. Experts guided participants through auction design, administrative assignment models, reserve pricing strategies, and spectrum refarming, emphasizing technology-neutral licensing frameworks to attract long-term investment. Efua Quaye, Director of Digital Infrastructure, Skills and Empowerment at Smart Africa, said, “Spectrum is the backbone of digital connectivity. Effective regulation ensures investments are efficient, networks are reliable, and citizens across Africa can access inclusive digital services.”
Practical regulatory tools were also discussed to help governments maximize limited spectrum resources while supporting sustainable sector growth. Cross-border coordination of frequency bands emerged as a priority, particularly as African countries seek deeper regional digital integration. Regulators exchanged best practices for expanding connectivity in rural and underserved areas, where high licensing costs and limited infrastructure have traditionally slowed network rollout.
The training highlighted the increasing pressures on regulators. Finite spectrum resources now support mobile broadband, broadcasting, aviation, emergency communications, and defence networks. Rapid 4G expansion and preparations for 5G deployment have made managing these competing demands more complex. The emergence of satellite internet constellations, including Starlink and Amazon Project Kuiper, adds further regulatory challenges, with potential interference risks for terrestrial networks. Coordinated policies are seen as essential to prevent disruptions and ensure spectrum efficiency.
Economic implications of effective spectrum management are significant. Studies indicate that a 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration can boost GDP by 1.5 percent to 2.5 percent in African economies. According to the GSMA Mobile Economy 2026 report, mobile technologies contributed US$7.6 trillion in global economic value in 2025, accounting for 6.4% of global GDP, and supported roughly 50 million jobs. The report also projects that by 2030, 57% of mobile connections worldwide will operate on 5G networks.
Organizers of the training emphasized that improved regulatory capacity in spectrum governance can enhance policy predictability, attract infrastructure investment, and drive digital inclusion. As African nations race to expand 4G coverage and prepare for mass 5G adoption, regulators equipped with advanced spectrum management skills are critical to ensuring networks are efficient, affordable, and sustainable.
The MWC26 session represents part of a broader push by African governments and industry stakeholders to build human capacity in telecommunications regulation, strengthen public-private partnerships, and support continent-wide digital transformation. By fostering technical expertise and regional cooperation, the initiative aims to position Africa to capitalize on emerging technologies, increase broadband access, and accelerate economic growth across both urban and rural communities.
