Kenya hosts International Telecommunication Union's regional forum

Communications Authority of Kenya Director General Mr. David Mugonyi (right) and the International Telecommunication Union Director, Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, at the ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa at a Nairobi hotel on Mon, 7 April 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is hosting the Regional Development Forum for Africa organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN specialised agency for digital technologies (ICTs).

The ITU drives global connectivity, innovation, and digital cooperation to build a digital future for all.

The event brought together high-level dialogue among ITU member States, industry, academia, civil society, the UN system, as well as regional and international development agencies and organisations on the implementation of Africa regional priorities and initiatives in the development of ICTs and telecommunications.

The meeting is tracking progress made with respect to Africa's ICT and telecommunications priorities as agreed during the 2022 World Telecommunication Development Conference that was held in Kigali, Rwanda.

Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo officially opened the ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa Region (ITURDF-AFR) on Monday in Nairobi.

In his remarks, the CS said it's time for Africa to leverage its regional integration, strategic leadership, and governance for advanced digital transformation and bridge the digital divide.

He emphasised the importance of African nations harnessing their economic, natural, cultural, and human resources to ensure sustainable and independent growth in the ICT sector.

According to the ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary, Eng John Tanui, the government has identified ICT as a key priority and key enabler of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

He reiterated the government's heavy investment in the expansion of broadband infrastructure, enabling the public to access digital space by installing public Wi-Fis and availing digital skills for the youth.

Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya David Mugonyi said the forum is a launchpad for Africa's participation at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025.

The forum is the biggest single influence on global and national ICT development.

It was noted that Africa's voice must be heard and felt at the conference and in the resulting ITU resolutions, conventions, and strategic planning.

In the opening ceremony, it was noted that the digital divide in Africa prevents many from participating in an increasingly networked world, and this forum seeks to bridge this gap.