By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The 7th Ordinary Session of
the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries has
elected Eng. Kezias Kazuba Mwale of Zambia as the next Secretary-General of the
continental telecommunications body for the 2027–2031 institutional cycle.
Eng. Mwale emerged
victorious in the election held during the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries,
securing 21 votes to defeat South Africa’s Cynthia Leungo Lesufi, who received
8 votes, and Cameroon’s Ottou Valéry Hilaire, who polled 5 votes.
The newly elected
Secretary-General will officially assume office on January 1, 2027, for a
four-year term in accordance with the ATU Constitution.
The ATU congratulated Eng.
Mwale and expressed appreciation to all candidates and their respective
nominating Member States for participating in the electoral process, describing
the competition as a reflection of the commitment of African countries to strengthening
the Union and advancing the continent’s digital transformation agenda.
Eng. Mwale currently serves
as ATU Director for Spectrum, a position through which he has gained extensive
experience in spectrum management, broadband development, satellite
coordination and telecommunications policy. His election places him at the helm
of the institution responsible for coordinating Africa’s telecommunications
priorities and representing the continent in global ICT discussions.
Until the formal transition,
the current ATU Secretary-General, John Omo, will continue to lead the General
Secretariat and oversee the implementation of the Union’s programmes while
supporting administrative arrangements for the incoming Secretary-General.
The ATU also acknowledged
Mr. Omo’s contribution and leadership, noting that the transition process will
focus on maintaining institutional continuity and advancing the Union’s mandate
of promoting telecommunications development, connectivity and digital inclusion
across Africa.
Eng. Mwale’s tenure will
begin at a critical period for Africa’s digital ecosystem, with governments,
regulators and industry stakeholders seeking stronger collaboration to expand
meaningful connectivity, accelerate innovation and address the continent’s
digital divide.
