The
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has appointed Ghanaian technology
expert Professor Quist-Aphetsi Kester to its newly formed Focus Group on
AI-Native Networks (FG AI-Native), reinforcing Africa’s participation in
shaping next-generation digital infrastructure standards. The UN specialized
agency’s initiative will develop frameworks for networks where artificial
intelligence is fundamentally embedded rather than retrofitted.
Scheduled for
full launch after November’s World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly
(WTSA-24), the group will redefine global network architectures to enable
autonomous optimization, predictive maintenance, and ultra-low latency
applications. Prof. Kester’s appointment recognizes his expertise in AI and
cybersecurity, positioning him to contribute to critical workstreams including
core architectural principles for AI-integrated networks, standardization gaps
in emerging 6G and IoT ecosystems and governance models for self-healing
network infrastructures.
The FG
AI-Native’s outcomes will directly influence smart city deployments, autonomous
transportation systems, and real-time industrial automation worldwide. Prof.
Kester’s participation ensures African perspectives inform these advancements,
particularly regarding infrastructure resilience and inclusive connectivity
solutions.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
