The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has elected Zambia’s Kezias Mwale as its Secretary-General for the 2027–2030 term, entrusting him with the responsibility of driving the continent’s digital transformation agenda over the next four years.
Mwale emerged victorious at the ATU plenipotentiary conference held in Abuja on Friday, securing 21 of the 34 votes cast by member states to defeat four other candidates.
In his acceptance speech, Mwale described his election as a mandate to serve the entire continent rather than any individual country, 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 said Africa was at a pivotal stage in its digital transformation journey, with significant opportunities to leverage technology to accelerate economic growth, improve public services and deepen 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.
He outlined key priorities for his administration, including expanding affordable and universal broadband access, advancing digital inclusion, strengthening cybersecurity and digital resilience, promoting innovation, building digital skills and enhancing Africa’s influence in regional and global digital policy discussions.
Mwale said the Union would strengthen collaboration with governments, regulators, policymakers, the private sector, academia, civil society and development partners to build a more responsive institution capable of addressing Africa’s evolving digital needs.
He also assured member states that his administration would serve all countries fairly, irrespective of how they voted during 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 consolidate the achievements of previous administrations while pursuing reforms to strengthen the Union and position it to respond more effectively to emerging technological and policy challenges.
He urged African countries to remain united in advancing telecommunications, digital technologies and innovation as key drivers of economic development and improved living standards across the continent.
“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.
Mwale also commended the other candidates, describing the contest as one enriched by diverse ideas and experience, and pledged to work with them in advancing the Union’s objectives.
Earlier, John Omo, the outgoing ATU Secretary-General, announced that African ministers responsible for information and communications technology had adopted a declaration on meaningful connectivity for Africa as part of the conference resolutions.
According to Omo, the declaration reflects consensus among member states on priorities for accelerating the continent’s digital transformation, including digital inclusion, broadband expansion, resilient infrastructure, regulatory harmonisation, capacity development, digital sovereignty, consumer protection and sustainable financing.
He said the declaration also calls on governments, telecommunications operators and development partners to deepen collaboration, promote transparent engagement and mobilise investments to expand digital infrastructure and improve connectivity across Africa.
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