Vodacom and ITU Sign Protocol to Advance Digital Inclusion Across Africa

Vodacom  has signed a protocol with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)  to strengthen collaboration on digital inclusion and telecommunications development across Africa. The agreement was signed during the AI for Good Summit by Ayman Essam, Chief External Affairs Officer at Vodacom Group, and Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau.

The protocol commits Vodacom to share its expertise and best practices from its operations across African markets in support of industry development. The collaboration will focus on areas including regulatory frameworks for satellite communications and spectrum management, digital inclusion strategies, and expanding connectivity for education.

According to Vodacom, the partnership is intended to foster closer cooperation between the telecommunications industry and international development organisations, with both parties working together to accelerate connectivity and digital transformation initiatives across the continent.

“But here’s what excites me most: this partnership positions ITU and Vodacom as genuine collaborators, not just in policy discussions, but in real implementation. We’re committing to bring operational insights from the ground, where connectivity happens. Where education reaches. Where financial inclusion transforms lives. Public-private partnership isn’t just aspirational language. It’s the only viable pathway to scale. When operators, regulators and development bodies align around shared outcomes, previously impossible challenges become achievable. That’s the Africa we are committed to building at Vodacom.”

– Ayman Essam, Chief External Affairs Officer, Vodacom Group

Vodacom said it looks forward to deepening its partnership with the ITU as both organisations work to expand connectivity, promote digital inclusion and support sustainable development across Africa.