Malawi has
formally ratified the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Constitution and
Convention. The instruments of ratification were presented by Her Excellency
Mrs. Callista Jennie Mutharika, Malawi’s High Commissioner to Kenya, during a
ceremony at the Malawi High Commission in Nairobi.
This
ratification marks a crucial step in achieving universal adoption among all 52
ATU member states, strengthening the legal framework for collaborative digital
advancement across Africa. The ATU, which serves as the continent’s premier
telecommunications policy organization, praised Malawi’s commitment to regional
cooperation in accelerating digital transformation.
“Malawi’s
ratification demonstrates visionary leadership in recognizing the power of
connectivity to drive development,” stated an ATU
representative. The Union urged remaining member states to complete their
ratification processes, emphasizing that full participation is essential to
harmonize regulations, share infrastructure, and bridge Africa’s digital
divide.
The Malawi
Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) played a pivotal role in
facilitating this milestone, which enables the country to fully engage in ATU’s
initiatives on spectrum management, cybersecurity, and broadband access. As
more nations ratify the convention, Africa moves closer to a unified digital
market capable of competing globally while addressing local connectivity
challenges.
This
development comes as African countries intensify efforts to implement the
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)’s digital trade protocols.
Malawi’s ratification signals its readiness to collaborate on cross-border
digital infrastructure projects and policy alignment, critical for enabling
seamless e-commerce and mobile interoperability across the region.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
