Experts on Monday met in Nairobi, Kenya, to harmonize telecommunications standards in Africa during the launch of the 2nd preparatory meeting for the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2024 (WTSA-24).

The second African Telecommunication Union (ATU) forum for preparation of the World Telecommunication Assembly was attended by more than 200 stakeholders comprising telecoms regulators and the private sector from Africa to discuss how common standards will promote universal access to advanced wireless, broadband, and multimedia technologies.

In his opening remarks, ATU Secretary-General John Omo said that Africa needs to develop similar standards for telecommunication equipment such as computer and mobile devices to promote interoperability of ICT devices across borders.

“Africa also needs a common emergency telecommunications number so that countries can cooperate in responding to disasters such as floods,” Mr Omo said.

He added that the continent also requires developing a common cybersecurity framework for telecommunication networks to ensure that the region is safe from online threats.

Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo said that common telecommunication standards will provide African manufacturers with a solid basis on which to compete in the global marketplace, unhindered by technical barriers.

Mr Owalo stressed that harmonized standards across the continent will benefit consumers who will have devices that are compatible and seamless across diverse platforms and technologies.

The director of the telecommunication standardization bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) which is a specialized agency of the United Nations, Seizo Onoe said that telecommunications standards are the lifeblood of information communication and technology connectivity and industry developments.

Mr Onoe noted that unified telecommunications standards in Africa will result in economies of scale and affordable digital services for consumers.

On his part, David Mugonyi, director general of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), urged Africa to adopt harmonized telecommunications standards because it will boost cross-border interactions and interoperability of devices and systems.

Also, Kenya is committed to expanding its broadband infrastructure by investing in submarine and fiber optic cables as well as middle- and last-mile connectivity to achieve its digitization agenda.

Mr Owalo stated that the state is reliant on the ICT sector to enhance digital skills through online jobs and connect people through public Wi-Fi.

“The government of Kenya is counting on ICT to address various challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and public delivery constraints,” he said, adding, “The Digital Transformation Agenda will facilitate the creation of an enabling legal policy environment for entrepreneurship to promote innovation and secure cyberspace.”

The CS confirmed that over the past year, William Ruto’s administration has rolled out 8,419 kilometers of fiber cables against the targeted 100,000 kilometers within the next 5 years.

The CS added that the government is currently undertaking massive digital skilling and digital job programs to facilitate optimal exploitation of skills, competencies, and capabilities.

“The government has embarked on rolling out 1000 Km of fiber optic cables, 25,000 wifi hotspots across the country, and setting up a total of 1450 digital hubs in the villages,” he stated.

The government anticipates that the digital hubs will become centers for innovation that nurture digital talents in all regions of the country as the ICT sector continues to pose positive growth as a result of sustained private sector investments.

“To sustain this growth in the ICT sector and open up employment and wealth-generating opportunities for the youth, the government began digitalization of services and expansion of fibre optic connectivity,’’ stated CS Owalo.

The government also lauded the ATU Africa, which is preparing to participate in the WTSA24, scheduled to take place in October in New Delhi, India.

Secretary General ATU, John Omo said the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, which happens every four years, brings together different countries to agree on various standards for facilitating communication development.

The ATU works with the African ICT community to develop the ICT infrastructure in the African region.

During the WTSA24, the ATU is expected to present relevant proposals to the WTSA24, including a common emergency telecommunications number for Africa.

Mr Omo noted that the main challenge affecting most African countries is the importation of device products that do not meet the required standards and communication needs.

Mr Mugonyi added that global standards can either accelerate or slow down progress.

“Standards sit at the centre of our communications universe; it is important to have an input in their context and content as we aim to improve on our collective performance at WTSA 20 and apply the lessons we carried from Geneva,” Mugonyi said.

“These preparatory meetings form the foundation of our positions and participation in the global policy discussion on information and communication and shape the outcomes of the WTSA-24 and WTDC-25 for Africa. We know what we need. We understand our priorities-including cross-border interactions and interoperability of devices and systems.” he added.