Windhoek — At the opening of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) conference on Monday, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, addressed key challenges hindering the advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across Africa. She emphasized the critical need for improved infrastructure to meet the growing demands of ICT services which affect various sectors including education, healthcare, and business operations.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the lack of sufficient infrastructure significantly impacts the continent's capability to support a competitive and inclusive ICT economy. She advocated for a legislative framework that promotes investment and innovation, which could benefit small and medium-sized enterprises, reduce costs for consumers, and spur economic growth. Theofelus highlighted the essential role of digital inclusivity, ensuring that benefits of digital transformation reach all segments of society, notably women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

The conference serves as a platform for stakeholders from different African nations to align on strategies for upcoming international meetings. These include the first African Preparatory Meeting (APM26-1) for the 2026 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) and the second Preparatory Meeting for the 2025 ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25). During the event, Elvis Nashilongo, Vice Chairperson of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), stressed the importance of these preparatory sessions in enhancing the role of ICTs for socio-economic development in Africa.

Nashilongo also remarked on the potential of the gatherings to foster collaboration and create a more inclusive and sustainable digital future for the continent. The ATU conference is set to conclude on Friday.