In an increasingly connected world, leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Digital Infrastructure (Broadband, Smart Cities) is a transformative approach to accelerate the deployment of high-speed internet, develop intelligent urban environments, and bridge the digital divide, offering a powerful mechanism to combine public policy objectives with private sector innovation and financing. Unlike traditional physical infrastructure, digital projects involve rapidly evolving technologies, complex data ecosystems, and dynamic service requirements, necessitating flexible and adaptable partnership models that can effectively allocate technology risk, ensure interoperability, and maximize societal benefits. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip public sector officials, urban planners, technology specialists, private sector developers, and financial institutions with the advanced knowledge and practical strategies required to structure, procure, implement, and manage PPPs for cutting-edge digital infrastructure projects, from ubiquitous broadband networks to integrated smart city solutions. Without robust expertise in PPPs for Digital Infrastructure (Broadband, Smart Cities), stakeholders risk technological obsolescence, missed opportunities for economic growth, and a failure to deliver essential digital services, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Public Sector PPP Unit Professionals and Digital Transformation Leads
• Urban Planners and Smart City Program Managers
• Telecommunications Regulators and Policy Makers
• IT and Digital Strategy Departments in Government
• Private Sector Telecom Operators, Tech Companies, and Smart City Solution Providers
• Infrastructure Developers and Investors interested in digital assets
• Financial Institutions and Project Finance Specialists
• Legal Professionals advising on technology and infrastructure contracts
• Innovation Hubs and Research Institutions
• Anyone involved in the planning, development, or financing of digital infrastructure.

Objectives

• Understand the unique characteristics and drivers of PPPs for digital infrastructure.
• Learn about the various models and structures for broadband and smart city PPPs.
• Acquire skills in identifying and assessing specific risks associated with digital projects.
• Comprehend techniques for developing clear output specifications for digital services.
• Explore strategies for leveraging private sector innovation and technological expertise.
• Understand the importance of data governance, cybersecurity, and privacy in digital PPPs.
• Gain insights into financing mechanisms and revenue models for digital infrastructure.
• Develop a practical understanding of regulatory frameworks and policy considerations.
• Master the role of interoperability and open access in digital ecosystems.
• Acquire skills in managing rapid technological change and obsolescence.
• Learn to apply international best practices and case studies in digital PPPs.
• Comprehend techniques for ensuring inclusive access and bridging the digital divide.
• Explore strategies for measuring and auditing performance in smart city initiatives.
• Understand the importance of citizen engagement and co-creation in smart cities.
• Develop the ability to lead and implement successful PPPs for digital infrastructure.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Digital Infrastructure and PPPs

• Definition of digital infrastructure (broadband, 5G, IoT, data centers, smart city platforms).
• The role of digital infrastructure in economic growth and social development.
• Why PPPs are critical for accelerating digital transformation.
• Distinguishing features of digital PPPs vs. traditional infrastructure PPPs.
• Global trends and the growing demand for digital connectivity.

Module 2: Broadband PPP Models and Strategies

• Different broadband network architectures (fiber, wireless, hybrid).
• PPP models for last-mile, middle-mile, and backbone broadband deployment.
• Open access network models vs. vertically integrated models.
• Incentivizing private sector investment in underserved areas.
• Case studies of successful broadband PPPs.

Module 3: Smart City PPP Frameworks and Applications

• Definition of a smart city: integrated technologies for urban management.
• Key smart city domains: smart mobility, energy, waste, governance, public safety.
• PPP models for smart street lighting, intelligent transport systems, urban IoT platforms.
• Data-driven decision-making in smart cities.
• Challenges of integrating diverse technologies and systems.

Module 4: Risk Identification and Allocation in Digital PPPs

• Unique risks in digital infrastructure: technology obsolescence, cybersecurity, data privacy, demand uncertainty.
• Allocation of technology risk between public and private partners.
• Managing regulatory risk and policy shifts in a rapidly evolving sector.
• Mitigation strategies for operational and financial risks specific to digital projects.
• The importance of robust risk allocation in achieving bankability.

Module 5: Technology Assessment and Output Specifications

• Evaluating emerging technologies and future-proofing digital infrastructure.
• Defining performance-based output specifications for digital services (e.g., speed, latency, uptime).
• Ensuring technology neutrality in procurement processes.
• Managing innovation cycles and technology upgrades within long-term contracts.
• Developing technical standards and interoperability requirements.

Module 6: Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Digital PPPs

• Overview of telecommunications laws and regulations relevant to broadband PPPs.
• Data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity laws.
• Regulatory incentives for investment in digital infrastructure.
• Addressing competition issues and market dominance.
• Licensing and permitting requirements for digital deployments.

Module 7: Financing Mechanisms for Digital Infrastructure

• Project finance structures for digital infrastructure.
• Role of public funds, grants, and subsidies in de-risking digital PPPs.
• Attracting private equity, venture capital, and institutional investors.
• Revenue models: user fees, availability payments, data monetization, service charges.
• Blended finance approaches for digital development.

Module 8: Data Governance, Cybersecurity, and Privacy

• Establishing clear data ownership, access, and usage policies in digital PPPs.
• Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR principles, national laws).
• Implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks and incident response plans.
• Ethical considerations in collecting and utilizing urban data.
• Building public trust in data handling.

Module 9: Interoperability, Open Access, and Digital Ecosystems

• The importance of open access principles for broadband networks.
• Ensuring interoperability between different smart city applications and platforms.
• Fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem of service providers and innovators.
• Avoiding vendor lock-in and promoting competition.
• The role of open standards and APIs.

Module 10: Contract Management and Performance Monitoring

• Adapting traditional PPP contract management to digital project complexities.
• Real-time performance monitoring using digital tools and analytics.
• Linking performance to payment mechanisms for digital services.
• Managing contractual changes related to technology upgrades and innovation.
• Ensuring accountability for service quality and reliability.

Module 11: Citizen Engagement and Inclusive Digital Access

• Strategies for engaging citizens in smart city planning and digital service design.
• Addressing digital literacy and inclusion challenges.
• Ensuring equitable access to broadband and smart city benefits for all segments of society.
• Managing public expectations and perceptions of technology.
• Co-creation models for smart city solutions.

Module 12: Managing Change and Obsolescence

• Strategies for addressing rapid technological change and obsolescence in long-term contracts.
• Clauses for technology refresh, upgrades, and replacement.
• Balancing innovation with contractual stability.
• Planning for the end-of-life management of digital assets.
• The need for flexible and adaptive PPP agreements.

Module 13: Value for Money (VfM) in Digital PPPs

• Defining and measuring VfM for digital infrastructure projects.
• Assessing the economic, social, and environmental benefits of digital transformation.
• Quantifying the impact of improved connectivity and smart services.
• Lifecycle costing considerations for digital assets.
• Post-implementation audit of VfM in digital PPPs.

Module 14: International Best Practices and Case Studies

• In-depth analysis of successful broadband PPPs from diverse regions.
• Case studies of pioneering smart city initiatives and their PPP structures.
• Lessons learned from challenges and failures in digital infrastructure PPPs.
• Review of international guidelines and frameworks for digital PPPs.
• Emerging trends and future outlook for PPPs in digital infrastructure.

Module 15: Practical Workshop: Structuring a Digital PPP Project

• In-depth analysis of a hypothetical digital infrastructure project (e.g., city-wide fiber deployment or integrated smart mobility system).
• Hands-on exercise: Defining key project objectives, output specifications, and risk allocation.
• Workshop: Developing a high-level financial model and revenue strategy for the project.
• Drafting a preliminary procurement strategy and key contractual considerations.
• Group discussions on overcoming common challenges in digital PPP implementation.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.