Africa Finalizes Strategy for Global Telecom Standards at WTSA-24 Preparatory Meeting

This week, Sandton City, South Africa, is hosting the third and final African Preparatory Meeting for the 2024 World Telecommunications Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24). The event brings together telecommunications and ICT regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Africa to finalize the continent’s strategy for the WTSA-24, scheduled for October 15-24, 2024, in New Delhi, India. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) every four years, the WTSA plays a pivotal role in developing and adopting global telecommunications and ICT standards.

Convened by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), a specialized agency representing 52 African countries and 49 ICT operators, the preparatory meeting aims to strengthen Africa’s voice on the global stage. ATU Secretary General, Mr. John Omo, emphasized the need for Africa to devise tailored approaches that enhance cross-border interactions and ensure device and system interoperability. He called for unified cooperation to create regulatory and policy frameworks that promote sustainable growth and innovation across the continent.

South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of collaboration in meeting global telecom demands. He highlighted the critical role of telecom standards in driving innovation and addressing pressing issues on the continent.

Key topics on the agenda include the development of guidelines and standards to support sustainable digital transformation in developing countries. Delegates will also discuss international cooperation to prevent redundancy and support global digital efforts. A proposed resolution advocating for international standards to address technical and regulatory challenges in emerging satellite technologies will be crucial in bridging the digital divide and providing high-speed internet access to remote areas of Africa.

The meeting will also tackle e-waste management in the telecommunications sector, calling for comprehensive legislation and international standards to ensure sustainable disposal. This is particularly important in developing countries, where the impact of e-waste is most severe.

Other discussions include the ongoing efforts to establish a common emergency number across Africa, with resolutions aiming to standardize 112 and 911 as emergency numbers. The importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in supporting digital transformation and sustainable development in developing countries will also be a key focus.

ITU Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, Mr. Seizo Onoe, urged participants to embrace international cooperation, emphasizing the need for unified global standards to address the challenges of the digital age.

The outcomes of this final preparatory meeting will pave the way for Africa’s active participation and leadership at WTSA-24, where the continent will advocate for policies and standards that reflect its unique needs and aspirations.