Abuja: Member states of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) have elected Kezias Mwale of Zambia as the organisation’s Secretary-General for the 2027-2030 term. Mwale was elected at the just concluded ATU meeting held in Abuja on Friday night. He pledged to bring unity, serve all member states with impartiality, integrity, transparency and dedication, and foster inclusive digital growth in Africa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the election had five contestants, with 34 countries voting. Mwale secured 21 votes, making him the overall winner. In his acceptance speech, the new secretary-general expressed gratitude to ATU member states for the confidence reposed in him. He described the election as a mandate to serve the entire African continent rather than any single nation.
Mwale emphasized Africa’s defining moment in its digital transformation journey, highlighting opportunities to harness technology for economic growth and social development. He stated that the continent possesses the talent, innovation, creativity, and determination to shape its own digital future. His administration plans to ensure no country, community, or citizen, especially children, women, and persons with disabilities, are left behind.
Mwale outlined his administration’s key priorities: expanding affordable and universal connectivity, promoting digital inclusion, strengthening cybersecurity and digital resilience, fostering innovation, developing digital skills, and enhancing Africa’s voice in regional and global digital policy. He assured member states that he would serve all countries equally, irrespective of how they voted during the election.
Acknowledging the contributions of his predecessors, Mwale pledged to build on their achievements while pursuing reforms to strengthen the union and meet the evolving needs of the continent. He urged African countries to remain united despite their diversity, aiming to leverage telecommunications and digital technologies to improve the lives of their people.
He called on member states to work together to build a stronger, more inclusive, and innovative ATU capable of delivering meaningful digital transformation across Africa. Mwale commended the other contestants, acknowledging their ideas and experience, and pledged to work closely with them in advancing the Union’s objectives.
Earlier, Mr. John Omo, the outgoing Secretary-General, speaking on behalf of African ministers responsible for information and communications technology, mentioned the adoption of a declaration on meaningful connectivity for Africa. The declaration, an annex to the conference report, reflected consensus on key issues affecting Africa’s digital transformation agenda. It addresses digital inclusion demand stimulation, infrastructure development, broadband access, regulatory parity and harmonisation, capacity building, digital sovereignty, consumer rights and protection, and fiscal policies and financing.
Omo urged governments, telecommunications operators, and development partners to engage transparently and encourage investments to expand digital infrastructure and connectivity.