According to studies conducted by telecommunication researchers, Benin lacks the necessary equipment to meet the needs of its population. The data collected shows that only 15% of households have access to the Internet, which is significantly inadequate. Additionally, Benin is reported to have fewer than 500 million servers, a number well below the global average.
But why such a disparity? Currently, the costs remain very high in Benin, making computer networks unaffordable for a large majority of its population. In this context, the government is trying to find solutions. Recently, Ericsson and MTN have joined forces to improve connectivity in the most remote areas of the country.
Partnership between Ericsson and MTN: What are the stakes? In recent years, Beninese companies have been demanding network optimization. Indeed, the development of industries relies on intuitive, reliable, and secure web hosting. However, to create such high-performance technology, the country must focus on new forms of communication. For Ericsson and MTN, the challenge is significant. How can they build digital infrastructure in rural regions?
How to develop digital development?
Ericsson and MTN operate in the telecommunications sector. For these two IT giants, the goal is clear: engineers must make the Internet more accessible. Nowadays, it is impossible to build new technologies without a digital foundation. Recognizing the importance of this, the Beninese government approached the Swedish company and its South African counterpart, with the aim of improving connectivity in the poorest regions. In the coming months, Ericsson and MTN will cover nearly thirty sites (digital data transmission, software solutions, etc.). However, environmental issues are not forgotten. To power these infrastructures, engineers will primarily use solar panels.
Why is digital coverage necessary?
A few months after the coronavirus pandemic, UNESCO published an assessment of Internet development in Benin. This study shows that a reform of the digital environment is essential. Today, Benin is embracing new technologies. But why work towards optimized connectivity? Nowadays, digital connectivity allows for creating connections that lead to modernizing processes and improving productivity. More broadly, the Internet influences areas such as politics, education, health, and culture. The lack of networking, therefore, has serious repercussions on the local population (isolation of rural areas, exacerbation of socio-economic inequalities, etc.). Nowadays, a country’s growth relies on establishing comprehensive digital coverage.
What are the stakes for Benin?
On its website, the Beninese government presents its program for “the deployment of high and very high-speed Internet throughout the national territory.” Today, the priority of the state is to expand digital coverage, especially in the most remote regions of the country. Keen on meeting the expectations of citizens and businesses, the authorities are investing in suitable infrastructure development. In this context, they are creating partnerships and seeking external providers (Ericsson, MTN). These efforts are paying off. Over the past two years, the population has seen prices decrease, and connectivity improve.
