By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The African
Telecommunications Union (ATU) has joined an Advanced Seminar on African
Digital Development and Transformation in Hangzhou, China, with
Secretary-General John Omo representing the perspectives and priorities of the
union’s 52 member states.
The seminar is providing
participants with an opportunity to examine developments in research, emerging
technologies and industrial applications, as well as how these technologies are
being deployed across different environments.
Omo is contributing ATU’s
perspective to discussions on how technological developments can be aligned
with the aspirations, capabilities and development realities of African
countries.
The engagements are also
providing an opportunity for African stakeholders to gain insights into
approaches to digital transformation that could inform technology development,
capacity building and innovation across the continent.
ATU’s participation builds
on an existing partnership with the China Academy of Information and
Communications Technology (CAICT). In 2025, the two institutions signed a
Memorandum of Understanding focused on joint research, capacity development,
technology transfer and next-generation networks.
The agreement provides a
framework for continued engagement between the two organisations as African
countries seek to strengthen their digital capabilities and expand the adoption
of emerging technologies.
The seminar in Hangzhou is
therefore serving as another platform for ATU to engage with international
technology stakeholders and explore how research, innovation and technology
transfer can support Africa’s digital development priorities.
The union said its
participation reflects the importance of ensuring that Africa’s development
needs and priorities remain central to international discussions on emerging
technologies and digital transformation.
