By: Van
Soul Addey
South Africa’s Independent
Communications Authority (ICASA) has called for greater regulatory alignment
and collaboration among African countries to address cross-border
communications challenges, reduce regulatory fragmentation and support the
growth of the continent’s digital economy.
The call featured in
discussions at the International Institute of Communications (IIC) Africa
Chapter Roundtable in Sandton, South Africa, where ICASA joined industry
leaders and regulatory stakeholders to examine the prospects of a single
digital market for Africa.
Hosted by Werksmans
Attorneys, the roundtable was held under the theme “One Digital Africa, 55
Regulatory Systems: Can Africa Regulate for a Single Digital Market?”
The discussions focused on
the need for stronger cooperation among communications regulators to address
regulatory differences that affect cross-border services and the development of
an integrated African digital market.
Participants also
highlighted the importance of balancing common regulatory principles with the
diverse needs, priorities and circumstances of individual African countries.
The discussions recognised
that effective regional integration requires greater cooperation among
countries while respecting their respective national contexts.
