(Ecofin Agency) - The ATU aims to promote the rapid development of ICT in Africa. It currently has 51 member states and 61 associate members, including telecom operators. Togo recently adopted a law to join the Union as well.

The Malawi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo (see picture), signed and ratified the Constitution and Convention of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), as reported by the local press. This ratification grants Malawi essential privileges and rights, including full participation in all ATU activities, meetings, and conferences, the right to present candidates for elective positions, and the ability to vote and be elected on the Union's Board of Directors.

It is worth noting that the Constitution and Convention are the foundational documents of the ATU, initially signed by Malawi during the organization's establishment in 1999 in Cape Town, South Africa. However, they were revised in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 2014, and now all members, including founding member states like Malawi, are required to officially ratify this revised version. So far, 27 member states have already done so.

John Omo, the Secretary-General of the ATU, stated, "The Union is committed to deepening collaboration with Malawi and all countries that have taken this bold step, which is crucial to strengthening national capacities, developing policies, and establishing regulatory frameworks that promote digital transformation across the African continent. The country can now actively leverage the expertise and support of other member states to drive telecommunications/ICT growth, advance innovation, and ultimately accelerate socio-economic progress."

Isaac K. Kassouwi