Zambia has deposited its instruments of ratification of the Constitution and Convention of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) at the Union’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The instruments were officially received by ATU Secretary General, John Omo.
Alfred Musemuna, Zambia’s Charge d’Affaires in Kenya, delivered the instruments on behalf of Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati. Musemuna also conveyed Mutati’s message of goodwill to the ATU, emphasizing Zambia’s commitment to advancing telecommunications and ICT development across Africa.
“Zambia recognizes the critical role that the ATU plays in furthering regional cooperation and promoting connectivity for the benefit of all African countries. We are excited to contribute to the Union’s goals of a digitally inclusive Africa,” said Felix Mutati in his goodwill message.
The ATU extends exclusive benefits to countries that have ratified its foundational instruments, including full engagement in all Union activities, eligibility to vote and run for elections within the Union’s Permanent Organs, and the opportunity to nominate candidates for elective roles.
In 2023, Zambia benefited from two significant initiatives led by the ATU and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU): the FM Plan Optimization and the re-planning of Broadcasting Satellite Services. The FM Plan Optimization identified 18,326 new FM channels across Africa, while the re-planning of Broadcasting Satellite Services reclaimed prized satellite resources valued at billions of US dollars for 31 African countries, including Zambia, enhancing broadcasting services and strengthening ICT infrastructure on the continent.
Welcoming Zambia’s ratification, ATU Secretary General John Omo, said: “Zambia’s ratification of the ATU Constitution and Convention is a significant step towards reinforcing regional solidarity and cooperation in telecommunications and ICT. This milestone underscores the importance of collective efforts in driving innovation and ensuring digital inclusion across the continent.”
Alfred Musemuna echoed these sentiments, adding, “This ratification demonstrates Zambia’s dedication to aligning with continental frameworks that promote technological advancement and connectivity. We look forward to active participation in ATU’s initiatives and contributing to its strategic goals.”
With Zambia’s ratification, 32 out of the 52 African countries represented by ATU have now ratified or acceded to the Union’s Constitution and Convention, which was initially signed by ATU Member States in 1999 and revised in 2014.
The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) – headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya – was founded in 1977 as a specialised agency of the Organization of African Unity, now African Union, in the field of telecommunications. ATU provides a forum for stakeholders involved in ICT to formulate effective policies and strategies aimed at improving access to information infrastructure and services. In addition, the Union represents the interests of its 51 Member States (African Countries) and 49 Associate Members (comprising fixed and mobile telecom operators), at global decision-making conferences and promotes initiatives aimed at integrating regional markets, attracting investment into ICT infrastructure, and building institutional and human capacity.
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