Home > Research & Consultancy > USAFA

African Universal Service and Access Fund Association (AUSAFA)

The African Universal Service and Access Fund Association (AUSAFA) aims to help African Universal Service and Access Funds (USAFs) fulfil their collective mission to improve rural ICT access. The association is a platform for members to collaborate, share knowledge and pool resources.

AUSAFA was born on 26 August 2008 in Lilongwe, Malawi when representatives of 12 USAFs issued a Declaration, adopted the Constitution and elected the office bearers.

Learn from each other

All USAFs promote rural connectivity through developing, funding and supporting appropriate projects. There are numerous examples of USAF success stories in Africa and Latin America; but they are rarely told. AUSAFA collects and disseminates information about these rural connectivity projects so that they can by analysed, adapted and replicated by stakeholders around the world. As a central repository for global USAF activities, AUSAFA will formulate a set of best practices for the use of all stakeholders.

Help us to keep this database up-to-date by telling us about your USAF project or initiative and how it has successfully brought ICT access to rural communities in your country.

Share with each other

Due to the specialised nature of their work, USAFs have unique needs in terms of advisory and training. Many have found it difficult to meet these needs because appropriate services are not readily available, and when they are available, they are often extremely expensive.

AUSAFA aims to ensure that all its actions are demand driven and is therefore gathering information related to advisory services and training as part of a needs assessment exercise. The most demanded advisory services and training will be procured by AUSAFA under a common pool. Current and prospective AUSAFA members are invited to participate in this needs assessment exercise. 

AUSAFA Inauguration

AUSAFA’s inaugural meeting was held on the 10th of December 2008 in London, where delegates participated in a day of highly focused capacity building sessions. Delegates had the opportunity to listen to experts, share experiences and knowledge, showcase their projects, build networks with partners and learn about solutions to their key challenges. The meeting concluded with discussion of the association’s annual work programme, which will focus on improving USF agencies ability to implement projects, procure expertise and build capacity.