By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin has
congratulated Eng. Kezias Kazuba Mwale following his election as the next
Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU).
In a message following the
announcement of the election, Bogdan-Martin extended her best wishes to Eng.
Mwale and expressed her commitment to continued collaboration with the ATU in
advancing meaningful connectivity and expanding digital opportunities across
Africa.
Eng. Mwale was elected
during the 7th ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26) held in Abuja,
Nigeria, where Member States voted for the Union’s leadership for the 2027–2031
institutional cycle.
The Zambian
telecommunications expert will officially assume office on 1 January 2027,
succeeding Kenya’s John Omo, who has served as ATU Secretary-General for the
past eight years.
Until the transition period
is completed, Mr. Omo will continue leading the ATU General Secretariat and
oversee the implementation of the Union’s programmes while supporting
administrative arrangements for the incoming Secretary-General.
The election of Eng. Mwale
comes at a critical time for Africa’s digital development, as the continent
continues to focus on expanding broadband access, strengthening digital
infrastructure, improving cybersecurity, advancing emerging technologies and achieving
universal meaningful connectivity.
The ATU and ITU have
maintained close cooperation in supporting telecommunications development,
policy coordination and digital inclusion efforts across Africa. Eng. Mwale’s
tenure is expected to further strengthen regional collaboration and Africa’s
voice in global ICT discussions.
