By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Zambia’s Eng. Kezias Kazuba Mwale has been elected and officially sworn in as the Secretary-General-elect of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), pledging to lead the organisation with integrity, inclusiveness and a renewed commitment to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.
Mwale emerged victorious at the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26), held in Abuja, Nigeria, securing the mandate to lead the continental telecommunications body for the 2027–2031 institutional cycle. He will officially assume office on January 1, 2027, for a four-year term in accordance with the ATU Constitution.
The oath of office was administered shortly after the election, with the Secretary-General-elect committing to faithfully discharge the responsibilities entrusted to him in line with the ATU Constitution, Convention and other regulations governing the Union.
He pledged to uphold the dignity of the office, safeguard the interests and objectives of the Union, and perform his duties in the spirit of the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
In his acceptance speech, Mwale expressed profound gratitude to ATU member states for the confidence reposed in him, describing his election as a collective victory for Africa rather than for Zambia alone.
“Thank you, Africa. This victory is not mine alone, nor does it belong to any one nation. It belongs to every member state represented here today and to every African who believes in the transformative power of digital technologies to improve lives and create opportunities across our continent,” he said.
The Secretary-General-elect also acknowledged the support of the Zambian Government, particularly President Hakainde Hichilema, for backing his candidature.
He paid tribute to the other contestants, saying their participation reflected a shared commitment to advancing Africa’s digital future.
“Their willingness to serve reflects the depth of talent that exists across our continent. While today’s election has produced one Secretary-General, our mission remains one, and I look forward to working with them in advancing the aspirations of our Union,” he stated.
Drawing from an African proverb, Mwale stressed the importance of unity and collaboration.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. That spirit of partnership must continue to define the African Telecommunications Union,” he said.
He described the ATU as standing at a defining moment in its history, noting that rapid technological advancement presents unprecedented opportunities for Africa to shape its own digital future.
According to him, the continent possesses the talent, innovation and determination required to become a global digital powerhouse, but must ensure that no country, community or citizen is left behind.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that no country, no community and no citizen, especially women, children and vulnerable groups, is excluded from the benefits of digital transformation,” he said.
Mwale pledged to lead the Union with impartiality, integrity, transparency and accountability, while strengthening collaboration with governments, regulators, policymakers, the private sector, academia, civil society and development partners.
He said his administration would focus on expanding affordable and universal connectivity, promoting digital inclusion, strengthening innovation, and building a more responsive and forward-looking ATU capable of meeting the continent’s evolving technological needs.
Precise Post recalls that the election and swearing-in of Mwale marked one of the major highlights of the Abuja conference, which brought together ministers, regulators and telecommunications stakeholders from across Africa to shape the continent’s digital agenda for the next four years.
