Nigeria Takes Helm of ATU as Africa Elects New Secretary-General

Nigeria has been elected Chairman of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), following the successful conclusion of the 7th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26) in Abuja.

The week-long conference also ushered in a new leadership for the continental telecommunications body, with Zambia’s Engr. Kezias Kazuba Mwale elected Secretary-General of the ATU for the 2027–2030 term after a fiercely contested election that went through four rounds of voting.

Of the Union’s 52 member states, 34 participated in the election. Mwale secured victory in the final round with 21 votes, defeating South Africa’s Cynthia Leungo Lesufi, who garnered eight votes, and Cameroon’s Ottou Valéry Hilaire, who received five votes. Tunisia’s Faysal Bayouli and Congo Republic’s Luc Missidimbazi also contested the position.

Hosted by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the conference brought together ministers, communications regulators, policymakers and industry leaders from across Africa to chart the Union’s strategic, institutional and financial direction for the next four years.

With the conclusion of the conference, Nigeria officially assumed the chairmanship of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries from Algeria, which had led the body since the sixth ordinary session held in Algiers in 2022.

Taking over the chairmanship on behalf of Nigeria, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, called on member states to sustain the spirit of unity and cooperation demonstrated throughout the conference, stressing that Africa’s digital ambitions can only be realised through collective action.

He said the resolutions reached in Abuja reflected a shared commitment to building a digitally connected and prosperous continent.

“The outcomes of this Conference are a testament not only to the strength of our institutions, but also to the collective determination of the people gathered here,” Tijani said.

He emphasised that the success of the conference would ultimately depend on the willingness of member states to implement its resolutions through sustained collaboration, mutual trust and a shared vision for Africa’s digital transformation.

Tijani also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with other African nations to expand broadband infrastructure, strengthen digital skills, promote responsible innovation and amplify Africa’s influence in global digital governance, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

As the ATU’s highest decision-making body, the Conference of Plenipotentiaries meets every four years to elect the Union’s leadership, approve its strategic priorities and financial direction, and coordinate Africa’s common position on telecommunications and digital policy.

A major highlight of this year’s meeting was the adoption of the Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, a policy framework committing member states to expanding affordable, inclusive and universal digital access across the continent.

The declaration outlines priorities including broadband expansion, technology-neutral regulation, improved access to spectrum and fibre infrastructure, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, consumer protection, affordability, digital literacy, capacity building and sustainable financing for digital development.

It also calls on the African Union Commission, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), regional economic communities, development partners, the private sector, academia and civil society organisations to work together in advancing meaningful connectivity and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The conference further elected 25 member states into the ATU Administrative Council for the next four-year cycle.

West Africa will be represented by Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo, while North Africa will be represented by Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Southern Africa secured six seats through Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, while Eastern Africa will be represented by Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Central Africa’s representatives are Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Accepting his election, Mwale described his victory as a mandate to serve the entire continent rather than an individual achievement.

“This victory is not mine alone, nor does it belong to any one nation. It belongs to every member state represented here today and to every African who believes in the transformative power of digital technologies to improve lives and create opportunities for our people,” he said.

Invoking an African proverb, he urged member states to remain united in pursuing the continent’s digital aspirations.

“If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. Today’s election has produced one Secretary-General, but our shared commitment remains one.”

Mwale pledged to lead the organisation with transparency, inclusiveness and accountability, while working closely with governments, regulators, the private sector, academia, civil society and development partners to expand affordable connectivity, strengthen cybersecurity, promote innovation and accelerate digital skills development across Africa.

He will assume office on January 1, 2027, succeeding the current Secretary-General, John Omo of Kenya, who will remain in office until the expiration of his tenure to oversee a smooth transition.

Reflecting on the outcome of the conference, Omo said member states had provided the Union with a clear roadmap for the next four years and urged them to maintain the spirit of cooperation demonstrated in Abuja as they implement the decisions reached during the meeting.

Delegates also commended Nigeria for successfully hosting the conference, describing the event as another demonstration of the country’s growing leadership role in advancing regional cooperation and shaping Africa’s digital future.