By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) have held bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening Africa’s
role in global telecommunications standardization ahead of the World
Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2028 (WTSA-28).
The
talks took place on the margins of the first African Preparatory Meeting for
WTSA-28 in Accra and brought together ATU Secretary General John Omo and ITU
Telecommunication Standardization Bureau Director Seizo Onoe.
A
key focus of the discussions was the implementation of ITU Resolution 100,
which calls for a common emergency number for Africa. According to ATU, the
initiative is considered critical for improving access to emergency services
across the continent, particularly in the context of linguistic diversity,
cross-border mobility, and varying national emergency systems.
ATU
noted that establishing a harmonised emergency communication framework would
help ensure faster and more reliable access to assistance for citizens across
African countries.
The
discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening Africa’s regional
study groups, which contribute technical expertise to global standardization
processes. Officials emphasized the need for improved coordination to ensure
Africa’s priorities are more effectively represented in international standards
development.
ATU
said Africa has a strong pool of technical experts, but greater alignment and
support are required to enhance the continent’s influence in shaping global
telecommunications frameworks.
The
engagement forms part of broader continental efforts to build consensus and
technical readiness ahead of WTSA-28, as Africa seeks to strengthen its
position in global ICT policy and standards development.
