Pretoria- The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will host a Regulatory Sandbox Study Visit from 08 to 10 September 2026, bringing together national, regional and international regulatory and development partners to exchange practical knowledge and experiences on the design and implementation of regulatory sandboxes. 

“The study visit will allow ICASA and its counterparts to share practical experiences and strengthen regulatory capacity by exploring different approaches that support responsible innovation across different jurisdictions,” said Councillor Thabisa Faye. 

The engagement will include representatives from the Telecommunication Development Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UK Government Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom), the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA Kenya), and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

The study visit will showcase ICASA’s experience in adapting the ITU Regulatory Sandbox Framework to the South African regulatory environment, including lessons from the Dynamic and Opportunistic Spectrum Assignment trials conducted between 2025 and March 2026. The Dynamic and Opportunistic Spectrum Assignment Regulations were developed through the use of a regulatory sandbox; which guided the team on the regulatory parameters and concessions. 

The three-day programme will include discussions on the design and implementation of regulatory sandboxes, practical simulations arising from the spectrum assignment trials, a case study on Kenya’s regulatory sandbox experience, various sandbox use cases and an international perspective from the Ofcom.

Participants will also discuss lessons learned and opportunities for continued cooperation and knowledge-sharing through a network of national regulatory sandboxes.

The Study Visit is supported by the partnership between ITU and FCDO to promote effective regulation, encourage sustainable investment, and strengthen capacity building in order to achieve universal meaningful connectivity. This partnership is part of the UK’s global Digital Access Programme, implemented in Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.  

ENDS

For media enquiries: 

Milly Matlou

media@icasa.org.za

Note to Editor:

A regulatory sandbox provides a controlled environment in which emerging technologies, innovative services and regulatory approaches can be tested within clearly defined parameters. This enables regulators to gather evidence, assess potential risks and respond more effectively to technological developments while continuing to promote competition, protect consumers and encourage innovation.