The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States signed a virtual memorandum of understanding on Thursday, April 8. The non-binding agreement covers the exchange of ideas in the area of telecommunications regulation and policy.

According to Keabetswe Modimoeng (pictured), ICASA's president, “this is a momentous collaboration that illustrates the confidence that our global counterparts have in ICASA. This collaboration places the Authority on solid ground to achieve international best practices, cutting-edge regulatory approaches and further validates South Africa’s standing in the global ICT arena.”

The signing of this deal comes in a context still marked by American attempts to unite the telecom markets of Europe, Africa and even Asia against Huawei. South Africa has always openly assumed its confidence in the Chinese technology company.

ICASA noted that the two regulators have agreed to implement a program of information exchange and technical cooperation in the field of telecommunications and related services and facilities, in accordance with their respective national and international laws, regulations and obligations, and within the framework of their annual budgets and terms.

Muriel Edjo