Invitation to the Review of WTSA-24 Outcomes and Implications for Africa

You are kindly invited to an online meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 13:00 to 16:00 Nairobi time to review the outcomes of the World Telecommunications Standardization Assembly-24 (WTSA-24) and their implications for Africa, as well as outline priorities for this study circle.

WTSA-24, hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has reaffirmed the critical importance of telecommunication standards as the foundation upon which global connectivity and digital transformation are built. These standards, while technical, shape the trajectory of economies, societies, and the way we interact with the world. They have a profound impact on how we close the digital divide, how we adopt innovation, and how we ensure that the benefits of digital technology are equitably distributed.

The Assembly covered a broad range of pressing issues, and as we reflect on the resolutions and outcomes, one thing becomes clear: the future of ICT standards must be inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking, with particular attention paid to the needs of underserved regions, including Africa.

One of the most significant takeaways from WTSA-24 was the renewed global commitment to bridging the digital divide. It became evident that access to universal broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity, a fact that is especially relevant to our continent. For Africa, the emphasis on extending 5G, fiber optics, and other emerging network technologies to underserved communities is timely. These technologies promise to unlock vast economic and social opportunities, and they align directly with our vision for a digitally inclusive Africa.

The Secretariat, on its part, prepared the membership adequately prior to and during WTSA-24. In view of the said outcomes of WTSA-24 and the need to set out our priorities for this period’s study circle, we deem it important to gather and discuss these issues. The meeting will be conducted in both English and French with simultaneous interpretation. It will bring together the Telecommunications Standardization Bureau of the ITU, policymakers, regulators, experts in Telecommunications/ICTs standardization work, technologists, industry leaders, academia, and civil society groups to discuss and explore the Africa strategies and priorities for standardization development and preparations for the next WTSA-28.