African ICT leaders convene in Sandton ahead of global telecoms summit
This week, Sandton City, South Africa, is hosting a pivotal gathering of telecommunications and ICT regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Africa.
The occasion marks the third and final African Preparatory Meeting for the upcoming World Telecommunications Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24), scheduled to take place from October 15 to 24, 2024, in New Delhi, India.
The WTSA, a major event organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) every four years, serves as a crucial platform for global industry leaders to develop and adopt international standards for telecommunications and ICTs.
This year’s assembly aims to address the myriad challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age, with a focus on enhancing global connectivity and fostering innovation.
The African Telecommunications Union (ATU), representing 52 African countries and 56 ICT operators, is convening the preparatory meeting.
This session is vital for finalizing Africa’s strategy and priorities for WTSA-24, ensuring the continent presents a cohesive and influential stance on the global stage.
During the opening forum, ATU Secretary General John Omo urged delegates to develop tailored approaches that enhance cross-border interactions and ensure the interoperability of devices and systems.
"Through the collective effort of the entire African region, Africa has the opportunity to develop robust regulatory and policy frameworks that support sustainable growth and foster innovation," Omo stated.
His call for unified cooperation reflects the broader goal of creating frameworks that not only promote growth but also drive innovation across the continent.
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, emphasized the importance of the preparatory process in addressing global telecommunications demands.
"Telecom standards drive innovation and tackle pressing issues on our continent. To achieve this, we must work as partners, not competitors, to advance Africa’s best interests," Malatsi remarked.
A central theme of the meeting is Africa's commitment to sustainable digital transformation. Delegates are expected to discuss guidelines and standards that support the digitalization of key sectors, particularly in developing regions, ensuring that these transformations are both sustainable and inclusive.
The agenda will also address the need for international cooperation to avoid redundancy and support global digital transformation efforts.
Emerging satellite technologies will be a focal point, with a proposed resolution advocating for international standards to address technical, operational, and regulatory challenges faced by these networks. If adopted, this resolution will be instrumental in bridging the digital divide and extending reliable, high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas of Africa.
ITU Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, Seizo Onoe, emphasized the need for international cooperation in his remarks.
"Now more than ever, we need to see international cooperation in action," Onoe said.