Telecom Experts Convene in Kenya to Align Standards in Africa A group of experts gathered in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, on Monday to synchronize telecommunications standards across Africa.
The second African Telecommunication Union (ATU) forum, aimed at preparing for the World Telecommunication Assembly, saw over 200 stakeholders in attendance, including telecom regulators and private sector representatives from the continent.
The discussions focused on the potential of unified standards to enhance access to advanced wireless, broadband, and multimedia technologies. During his opening speech, ATU Secretary-General John Omo emphasized the importance of Africa adopting consistent standards for telecommunication equipment, such as computers and mobile devices, to facilitate cross-border compatibility of ICT devices.
Omo highlighted the necessity of establishing a shared emergency telecommunications number to enable collaborative disaster response efforts among nations, particularly in times of crises like floods.
Furthermore, Omo stressed the urgency of implementing a uniform cybersecurity framework for telecommunication networks to safeguard the region against online threats effectively. Eliud Owalo, Kenya’s cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, underscored how standardized telecom regulations would empower African manufacturers to compete globally without facing technical obstacles.
Owalo highlighted that standardized regulations would not only streamline operations for manufacturers but also benefit consumers by ensuring device compatibility across various platforms and technologies. Seizo Onoe, the director of the telecommunication standardization bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), emphasized the crucial role of telecommunications standards in fostering connectivity and industry advancements within the ICT sector.
Onoe pointed out that unified standards in Africa would lead to cost efficiencies and affordable digital services for consumers. Additionally, David Mugonyi, director general of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), urged the continent to embrace harmonized telecommunications standards to promote seamless cross-border interactions and enhance device and system interoperability.
