RASCOM participates in WTDC-25 as global leaders push for universal digital connectivity

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

RASCOM is taking part in the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) in Baku, Azerbaijan, with Chief Finance Officer, Michael Coulibaly representing the organisation at the high-level global gathering. The conference, hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan and organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), opened on 17 November 2025 with a strong call for universal, meaningful and affordable connectivity for all.

WTDC-25 brings together ministers, senior government officials and digital development leaders from around the world to agree on strategies for expanding access to digital technologies. This year’s focus centres on ensuring that people everywhere can access high-quality Internet services at an affordable cost, whenever needed—an ambition that aligns closely with RASCOM’s mandate to advance satellite-enabled connectivity across Africa.

“We are in Baku to breathe new life into global digital development,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin in her opening address. “WTDC will help create the conditions that leave no one behind in a world being reshaped by technology, faster than ever.”

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, welcomed delegates to Baku, noting the importance of collective action in accelerating digital inclusion. “I am delighted to welcome all participants and to convey the greetings of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, along with his sincere wishes for a successful and productive conference,” he said.

The conference, held every four years, defines priorities for the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D), adopts regional digital initiatives and approves technical questions for ITU-D Study Groups. This year’s discussions place particular emphasis on the needs of the world’s least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states, where connectivity gaps remain widest.

ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau Director, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, stressed that the world must move faster to close persistent digital divides. “Sustainable digital transformation calls for bold, human-centred action,” he said. “WTDC-25 is our opportunity to forge the roadmap for digital development for the next four years. Remarkable progress has been made to connect the world, but more needs to be done to bridge remaining digital gaps, empower communities and uplift lives.”

More than 65 ministers and senior officials are expected to address the conference during the High-Level Segment, outlining national priorities and commitments to global digital cooperation. Around 1,500 delegates from across the world are participating in the event, which runs until 28 November.

WTDC-25 aims to conclude with the adoption of a new Declaration and Action Plan that will guide international digital development efforts from 2026 to 2029. For RASCOM, participation in the conference reinforces its role in regional efforts to expand affordable connectivity and contribute to Africa’s digital transformation agenda.