As digital transformation accelerates globally, African universities are increasingly recognizing the need to enhance their campus connectivity to meet the demands of modern education and research. While institutions like the University of Notre Dame in the United States have pioneered outdoor Wi-Fi 6E deployments, African universities are charting their own paths, focusing on scalable and sustainable solutions to bridge the digital divide.
Current Landscape of Campus Connectivity in Africa
Despite significant strides in mobile internet usage across Africa, with approximately 570 million users in 2022 , the continent still faces challenges in providing reliable and high-speed internet access within educational institutions. According to UNESCO, only about 4% of schools in Sub-Saharan Africa have basic internet connectivity . This limited access hampers the ability of universities to offer comprehensive digital learning experiences and conduct advanced research.
Several African countries are taking proactive steps to improve campus connectivity. In Morocco, a significant project has seen the deployment of 18,000 Wi-Fi access points across 12 public universities, benefiting approximately 1.3 million students and staff . These campuses are now equipped with Wi-Fi 6 solutions, enhancing both indoor and outdoor internet access.
Similarly, in Kenya, the Kenyan Education Network (KENET) has extended Wi-Fi coverage to student learning spaces, lecture halls, and hostels at Kenyatta University, supporting about 14,000 concurrent connections . This initiative represents a significant move towards creating a more connected and resource-rich academic environment.
While Wi-Fi 6E offers enhanced speed and capacity, its adoption in Africa is still in the nascent stages. However, countries like South Africa have made regulatory advancements by opening the lower 6GHz band for Wi-Fi services, paving the way for future Wi-Fi 6E deployments .
Simultaneously, the exploration of 5G technology presents new opportunities for African universities. The African School of Economics has introduced 5G mobile technology spaces to facilitate distributed learning and remote work, demonstrating the potential of 5G in enhancing educational delivery .
The adoption of advanced connectivity technologies holds significant economic potential. A study by the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance suggests that enabling unlicensed access to the 6GHz band could contribute up to $20.29 billion to Kenya’s economy between 2021 and 2030 . Similar economic benefits are projected for Nigeria and South Africa, highlighting the broader impact of improved digital infrastructure.
As African universities continue to navigate the challenges of digital transformation, the focus remains on developing scalable, inclusive, and forward-looking connectivity solutions. By leveraging both existing technologies and emerging innovations, these institutions aim to enhance educational outcomes and contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development.
