Mr. Mwale Kezias of the Republic of Zambia has been elected as the new Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, (ATU)
The election was conducted in Abuja during the 26th ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries, CPL-26, presided over by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
The keenly contested election was held ahead of the International Telecommunication Union, ITU elections scheduled for November 2026. The timing prompted a call by the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida for African telecom regulators to deepen collaboration.
Speaking at the Head of Regulators Roundtable themed _“Building Africa’s Network Intelligence Ecosystem for Evidence-Based Regulation,”_ Dr. Maida said Africa must present a united voice at the ITU.
No candidate secured the required votes in the first three rounds. In the fourth round, a simple majority rule was applied.
Mr. Kezias emerged victorious with 21 votes defeating Mr. Banzouzi Luc Missidimbazi Republic of Congo, Mr. Bayouli Fasal – Tunisia, Ms. Lesufi Cynthia – South Africa
– Mr. Valery Hilaire Otou– Cameroon
Ms. Cynthia polled 8 votes while Mr. Otou scored 5 votes.
Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo were also appointed to represent West Africa on the ATU Administrative Council.
Kezias will succeed Mr. John Omo of Kenya, who served two consecutive four-year terms. In his acceptance speech, the new Secretary-General pledged to serve with _“impartiality, integrity, transparency and dedication.”_
He said “I will work closely with governments, regulators, policymakers, the private sector, academia, civil society, development partners and all stakeholders to build a stronger, more responsive and forward-looking ATU. This victory does not belong to one nation. It belongs to every member state and to every African who believes in the transformative power of digital technologies to improve lives and create opportunities.”
He added that the ATU stands at a defining moment and must ensure _“no country, no community, and no citizen — especially the child, especially the woman — is left behind.”
Minister Tijani, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, congratulated the new ATU leader and wished him a successful tenure.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing Secretary-General John Omo said Thank you very much, membership, for the support over the years. I sincerely wish the incoming Secretary-General the very best in his endeavours.”
