The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) is currently hosting the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) gatherings from 15 to 19 July. These meetings are pivotal in shaping the future of telecommunications across Africa.
One of the main agendas of these discussions is the 1st African Preparatory Meeting (APM26-1) for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference in 2026 (PP-26) and the 2nd African Preparatory Meeting for the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference in 2025 (WTDC-25), aiming to align the African telecommunications sector with global standards and priorities.
These meetings provide a platform for collaboration, networking, and exchanging ideas, ensuring that African countries are well-represented and can effectively contribute to global discussions and decision-making processes.
During the event, Elvis Nashilongo, CRAN’s Vice Chairperson, emphasised the importance of advancing the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for socio-economic development and encouraged delegates to collaborate and share insights to drive progress in expanding broadband access and enhancing digital infrastructure across the continent.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) Emma Theofelus highlighted the necessity of affordable and reliable telecommunications infrastructure for the development and well-being of people, emphasising the importance of creating a connected Africa for sustainable development.
She acknowledged Namibia’s progress in expanding access to ICT services but recognised the need to address challenges, such as the lack of adequate infrastructure, and promote a competitive and inclusive ICT sector. Theofelus emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure that Africa remains at the forefront of the global ICT sector.
The ongoing meetings provide an opportunity for stakeholders to come together to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital revolution. Through collaboration with key international organisations, African countries can develop tailored solutions to remain at the forefront of the global ICT sector.
