Kezias Mwale secured the position during the ATU Plenipotentiary Conference in Abuja, winning 21 of the 34 votes cast by member states to defeat four other contenders.
Accepting the appointment, Mwale described his election as a mandate to serve the entire continent, pledging to lead the Union with impartiality, transparency and accountability.
“This victory is not mine alone, nor does it belong to any one nation. It belongs to every member state represented here today and to every African who believes in the transformative power of digital technologies,” he said.
He noted that Africa stands at a critical point in its digital development, with growing opportunities to harness technology to drive economic growth, improve public services and promote greater social inclusion.
“Our continent has the talent, innovation, creativity and determination to shape its own digital future. Our responsibility is to ensure that no country, no community and no citizen, especially children, women and persons with disabilities, is left behind,” Mwale said.
Setting out his priorities for the next four years, Mwale said the ATU would focus on expanding affordable broadband access, advancing digital inclusion, strengthening cybersecurity and digital resilience, promoting innovation, building digital skills, and amplifying Africa’s voice in regional and global digital policy discussions.
He also committed to strengthening partnerships with governments, regulators, policymakers, the private sector, academia, civil society and development partners to ensure the Union remains responsive to Africa’s evolving digital landscape.
Mwale assured member states that his administration would serve all countries equally, regardless of how they voted in the election.
“My door will always remain open because this is a public office. I will seek to build consensus through dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the common good,” he said.
The incoming Secretary-General pledged to build on the achievements of previous ATU leadership while implementing reforms that will strengthen the organisation and enhance its ability to address emerging technological and policy challenges.
Calling for greater unity among African nations, Mwale urged governments and stakeholders to work together to advance telecommunications, digital technologies and innovation as key drivers of economic growth and improved living standards.
“The journey ahead belongs to all of us. Let us work together with courage, unity and an abiding belief in Africa’s limitless potential,” he said.
He also praised the other candidates for contributing valuable ideas and experience throughout the election process, pledging to work collaboratively with them to advance the Union’s objectives.
Meanwhile, outgoing ATU Secretary-General John Omo announced that African ministers responsible for information and communications technology had adopted a Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa during the conference.
According to Omo, the declaration reflects a shared commitment among member states to accelerate digital transformation through expanded broadband access, digital inclusion, resilient infrastructure, regulatory harmonisation, capacity building, digital sovereignty, consumer protection and sustainable financing.
He added that the declaration also encourages governments, telecommunications operators and development partners to strengthen collaboration, promote transparent engagement and mobilise greater investment in digital infrastructure to improve connectivity across the continent.
