…Zambia’s Kezias Nwale elected secretary-general By Progress Godfrey ABUJA – Nigeria has assumed the chairmanship of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries as African ministers adopted the Abuja Ministerial Declaration to accelerate meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion and investment in digital infrastructure across the continent. This followed the close of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26), where member states transferred the chairmanship from Algeria to Nigeria, with Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, assuming the position on behalf of the country. “Every discussion, every decision and every compromise reflected our shared commitment to building a stronger digital future for Africa.
“The decisions taken over the past two days will only achieve their intended impact if we continue to work together with purpose, mutual trust and a shared commitment to ensuring that every African benefits from the opportunities of the digital economy,” Tijani said. He reassured that Nigeria would continue to work with other African countries to expand digital infrastructure, strengthen digital skills, and promote responsible innovation to boost the continent’s influence in global digital governance. Delegates also thanked Algeria for its stewardship since the sixth ordinary session held in Algiers in 2022.The conference also elected 25 member states into the Administrative Council for a four-year term.
West Africa will be represented by Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo, while other seats went to member states across North, Southern, Eastern and Central Africa. Meanwhile, delegates elected Zambia’s Engr Kezias Mwale as the next Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union. Mwale, the Union’s Director for Spectrum, secured 21 votes to defeat South Africa’s Cynthia Leungo Lesufi, who polled eight votes, and Cameroon’s Ottou Valéry Hilaire, who received five votes.
In his acceptance speech, the Secretary General-elect thanked member states, the Zambian government and President Hakainde Hichilema for their support, while paying tribute to the other candidates and pledging to lead the Union with transparency, impartiality and inclusiveness. According to him, “As an African p…
Summary from source