Cabinet Secretary Hon. William Kabogo Gitau officially opens the ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa Region (ITURDF-AFR) taking place in Nairobi, Kenya

ITU is the United Nations specialised agency for digital technologies (ICTs) that drives global connectivity, innovation, and digital cooperation to build a digital future for all.

The CS remarked that time is nigh for Africa to leverage on its regional integration, strategic leadership, and governance for advanced digital transformation and bridge the digital divide.

He emphasized on the importance of African nations harnessing their economic, natural, cultural, and human resources to ensure sustainable and independent growth in the ICT sector.

According to the ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui, the Kenyan government has identified ICT as a key priority and key enabler of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

He reiterated that the government has invested heavily in expansion of broadband infrastructure, enabling the public to access digital space by installing public Wi-Fis and availing digital skills for the youths.

The ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa Region provides an opportunity for an exchange of views between ITU and decision-makers of ITU Member States and Sector Members, as well as other stakeholders in the Africa region. It’s vital for Africa to speak with one voice at the global stage.

ITURDF-AFR is organized at the kind invitation of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). The meeting brings together regulators, policy makers, and other stakeholders from across Africa.

In attendance are; Secretary General African Telecommunication Union Mr. John Omo, The Executive Secretary of the East African Communications Organisations Dr. Ally Simba and Director Telecommunication Development Bureau Dr. Cosmas Zavazava.

Others attending the Forum are; Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Lesotho’s Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Hon. Nthati Moorosi, Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, Chad’s Minister of Communications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization of Administration Dr. Boukar Michel, Lesotho's Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Kanono Ramashamole, CA Director General Mr. David Mugonyi, Chairperson Standing Senate ICT Committee, Hon. Allan Chesang, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Director Administration Mr. Kimani Waweru.