The
Secretary-General of the African
Telecommunications Union (ATU), John Omo, has urged governments and industry leaders to
translate network coverage into meaningful connectivity through policies that
address affordability, accessibility, and relevance.
Speaking
at the opening of the GSMA Mobile
World Congress 2025 (MWC25) in Kigali, Omo noted that while
Africa has made significant strides in expanding mobile coverage, the real
challenge lies in ensuring that connectivity leads to tangible social and
economic benefits. “Connectivity counts only when it is inclusive,
affordable, and relevant to the lives of people,” he said.
Omo
later participated in a Ministerial
Fireside Chat on Inclusive Spectrum Policies, where he
highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks that reflect the realities of
rural deployment and promote more efficient spectrum utilization. He also
called for funding mechanisms tied to measurable outcomes that directly improve
access and digital inclusion.
The
ATU Secretary-General reiterated the Union’s commitment to working with member
states, regulators, and private sector partners to advance Africa’s digital
transformation agenda. His remarks aligned with the broader MWC25 theme of
fostering collaboration to build a connected, inclusive, and sustainable
digital future for the continent.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
