By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
race to elect the next Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications
Union (ATU) is underway in Abuja, Nigeria, with four candidates competing to
lead the continent’s premier telecommunications institution for the 2027–2030
term.
The
election, taking place during the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of
Plenipotentiaries (CPL-2026), will determine the successor who will guide the
Union’s agenda on connectivity, digital transformation, spectrum management and
Africa’s representation in global ICT discussions.
The
candidates contesting for the position are Ms Cynthia Leungo Lesufi of South
Africa, Eng. Kezias Kazuba Mwale of Zambia, Mr Faysal Bayouli of Tunisia and Mr
Ottou Valéry Hilaire of Cameroon.
Lesufi
brings extensive experience in ICT policy, public service and international
telecommunications negotiations, including engagements within the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU). Mwale, who currently serves as ATU Director for
Spectrum, has deep institutional experience within the Union, with expertise in
spectrum management, satellite resources and broadband development.
Bayouli
enters the contest with a strong background in ICT diplomacy and international
cooperation, while Hilaire brings more than two decades of experience in
telecommunications regulation, spectrum coordination and African representation
at major global telecommunications forums.
The
election is expected to shape the future direction of the ATU as Africa
accelerates efforts to achieve universal meaningful connectivity, strengthen
digital inclusion and promote a coordinated continental voice in global ICT
governance.
As of the latest available information, the winner of
the ATU Secretary-General election has not yet been officially announced. The election is a key agenda item of CPL-2026, where
member states are voting to select the Secretary-General for the next four-year
term.
