By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The candidate for Deputy
Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Stephen
Bereaux, has underscored the importance
of strengthening the ITU’s support for African member states as the continent
advances its digital transformation agenda.
Speaking following
engagements with delegates of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) in
Zimbabwe, Bereaux highlighted the critical role the ITU plays in addressing key
development challenges, including bridging the digital divide and expanding affordable
connectivity to underserved communities.
He noted that the
organization remains central to efforts aimed at ensuring that countries and
citizens are not left behind in the digital era, particularly as demand for
digital services and infrastructure continues to grow across Africa.
Bereaux described Africa as
home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and one of the youngest
populations globally, creating significant opportunities for digital
innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development.
According to him, the ITU is
uniquely positioned to support member states through resource mobilization,
standards development and strategic partnerships that can help translate
national digital ambitions into tangible outcomes.
He emphasized that
strengthening the ITU’s regional presence and ensuring greater responsiveness
to the priorities of African member states would significantly enhance the
continent’s ability to achieve its digital development goals.
Bereaux also acknowledged
the engagement of ATU delegates during discussions on the future of global
telecommunications governance, noting the importance of Africa’s participation
in shaping the direction of the ITU and the broader international digital ecosystem.
The discussions form part of
ongoing preparations ahead of future ITU leadership elections and global
telecommunications policy deliberations, where issues of connectivity, digital
inclusion and sustainable digital development are expected to remain key priorities.
