Nairobi, Kenya – The Republic of Malawi has ratified the Constitution and Convention of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), solidifying its position as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation and becoming the latest Member State to show full commitment to the institution. The ratification was done in the capital city of Lilongwe by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Nancy Tembo, M.P.
Whereas Malawi is a founding Member State of the ATU, it is a legal requirement as stipulated by Article 17 of the Constitution for founding Member States to ratify the Constitution having had signed it at the time of its establishment in 1999 in Cape Town, South Africa. With the said ratification, Malawi joins the ranks of 27 other ATU Member States (out of 51) that have taken this crucial legal step demonstrating full commitment to the ATU, thus strengthening the Union’s mission of advancing the continent’s digital transformation agenda. The ratification grants the Republic of Malawi key privileges and rights as outlined in the ATU statutes. These include full participation in all activities, meetings, and conferences of the Union, the right to nominate candidates for elective positions, including ability to elect and be elected to the Administrative Council of the Union.
The ATU Secretary General, Mr. John OMO, welcomed Malawi’s ratification. “The Union pledges to deepen collaboration with Malawi and all countries that have taken this bold step which is important to enhance country-capacities, develop policies, and establish regulatory frameworks that promote digital transformation across the African continent,” he said Mr. OMO also noted that the ratification by Malawi signifies a significant step forward in the country’s technological advancement. “The country can now actively harness the expertise and support of other Member States to drive the growth of telecommunications/ICTs, advance innovation, and ultimately accelerate socioeconomic progress. I invite all our Member States who have not ratified do endeavor to ratify as soon as they can” he added.
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