MACRA is in the process of developing a regulatory sandbox to nurture and support industry innovation by providing room for experimentation while guiding regulation toward embracing emerging technologies.

The Regulatory Sandbox is a framework established by the Authority to allow innovative companies to test their products and services in a controlled environment.

Speaking during the MACRA Regulatory Sandbox Framework design workshop, Muuni Fund Team Lead Wezi Salima, said the regulatory sandbox provides a dynamic, evidence-based regulatory environment to test emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and Over-the-Top (OTT) services.

“This process helps shape the future of the information and communications sector by encouraging innovation and providing stability. This, in turn, will create more chances for open collaboration, foster innovation, drive economic growth, and improve citizens' lives,” she said.

Once a regulatory sandbox is fully implemented, it will be open to businesses that want to test innovative technologies or services that do not fit within existing frameworks, which will operate through an application process where businesses demonstrate their innovation, explain regulatory barriers they face, and propose safe testing approaches with consumer protections.