Following an invitation by the Government of the Republic of Rwanda and in conformity with Article 9 of the Constitution and Article 2 of the Convention of the African Telecommunications Union, the 24th Ordinary Session of the ATU Administrative Council was hosted by the Republic of Rwanda and held at Kigali Marriot Hotel in Rwanda from 24 – 26 May 2023. At the session, of the Administrative Council was presented with a comprehensive report of the Union encompassing; a consolidated and audited financial report for consideration and approval; and the annual report of the Union’s activities highlighting critical developments in the sector and future policy and strategy of the Union.
In his opening speech at the event, the ATU Secretary-General John Omo thanked industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in attendance for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the advancement of the telecommunications sector in Africa. He noted that the individual and collective contributions of the ATU Member States, Associate Members and partners have significantly strengthened the internal institutional capacity of the ATU and forged strategic partnerships with key institutions in Africa and across the world. As a result of the collaborative efforts, ATU has not only witnessed enhanced financial stability and expanded membership but also laid a solid groundwork for a prosperous future premised on a shared vision of a fully connected Africa.
The Secretary acknowledged the ATU Strategic Plan for 2019 – 2022 for fortifying the Union’s institutional capabilities and fostering valuable alliances, thereby enhancing the stability, sustainability and global status of the Union.
According to the Secretary General’s report for the 2022/2023 period (1st May 2022 – 30th April 2023) presented to the Council, more countries have ratified ATU’s Constitution and Convention while a significant number of Member States and Associate Members have also increased their annual contributions and financial support to the Union. The newest entrants are Botswana and Cape Verde who joined the Union as the 50th and 51st Member States following their successful accession to the ATU Constitution and Convention. Currently, ATU membership stands at 51 Member States and 56 Associate Members.
Underscoring the pivotal role of developing and maintaining strategic partnerships, the Secretary-General informed the Council that the Union has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with organizations such as the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), the International Network of Women Digital Experts (RIFEN), the Internet Society (ISOC), and Access Partnership, among others, to foster collaboration and support the ATU’s agenda in the areas of standardization and radiocommunication.
Through these concerted efforts, ATU continues to drive a positive change in the ICTs, placing Africa’s telecommunications capability and potential in good international standing.
The ATU Secretary General’s report expressed the Union’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with regional and international organizations, including the African Union, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), noting that by leveraging strategic partnerships, the Union will succeed in aligning its efforts, pooling resources, and collectively addressing the future challenges and opportunities. Through these concerted efforts, ATU continues to drive a positive change in the ICTs, placing Africa’s telecommunications capability and potential in good international standing. Also addressing the Council, the Republic of Rwanda’s Minister for ICT, Hon. Paula Ingabire commended the outstanding progress by the ATU Administrative Council in directing regional efforts towards the digitization and sustained development of ICT infrastructure in Africa. The Minister also conveyed Rwanda’s gratitude to the ATU, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Radiocommunication Bureau (RRB) for their invaluable support in facilitating technical assistance and capacity-building programs in Rwanda and across Africa. Particularly, the Minister lauded the successful recovery of lost satellite resources for 31 African countries, including Rwanda as a momentous achievement for the ATU and
the beneficiary Member States.
