By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
South African President
Cyril Ramaphosa has announced South Africa’s and the Southern African
Development Community’s (SADC) support for the candidature of Ms. Cynthia
Lusufi for Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) for
the 2027–2030 term.
In a statement, President
Ramaphosa said Africa’s future prosperity and competitiveness will increasingly
depend on how effectively the continent harnesses digital technologies,
including digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, connectivity,
cybersecurity and other emerging technologies.
He said these technologies
are becoming central to economic growth, industrialisation, education,
healthcare, governance and the empowerment of citizens, making greater
cooperation among African countries essential.
The President stressed that
African Union member states must deepen collaboration and strengthen
continental institutions to ensure that every country benefits from digital
transformation and that no citizen is left behind.
Ramaphosa described the
African Telecommunications Union as one of the continent’s most important
institutions for advancing regional cooperation in telecommunications,
information and communication technologies and digital transformation, while
serving as Africa’s collective voice in global digital governance.
He said Lusufi brings
extensive experience in digital transformation, ICT policy, multilateral
diplomacy and international digital governance, noting that her current role at
the International Telecommunication Union has enabled her to contribute to advancing
Africa’s digital priorities and strengthening the continent’s participation in
the global digital ecosystem.
The President also
highlighted the significance of Lusufi’s candidature, noting that she is the
first woman to contest for the position of ATU Secretary-General. He said her
nomination represents an important milestone in promoting women’s leadership in
technology, telecommunications, engineering and digital governance across
Africa.
Ramaphosa expressed
confidence in Lusufi’s leadership, technical expertise and ability to
strengthen cooperation among member states while enhancing the effectiveness of
the African Telecommunications Union.
