Zambian engineer Kezias Kazuba Mwale has been elected Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) for the 2027–2031 term, following elections held in Abuja, Nigeria on 23–24 July 2026.
A Win for Zambia — and for SADC
Mr Mwale, who secured the post as Zambia's candidate endorsed by SADC ICT Ministers, emerged as the preferred candidate ahead of contenders from Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, South Africa, and Tunisia during the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the achievement was the result of coordinated diplomatic efforts involving the Ministry of Technology and Science and Zambia's missions abroad, which engaged ATU member states and strategic partners to secure support for Zambia's candidature. The win reflects growing confidence in the country's role in regional and international telecommunications development.
What's Next for Africa's Digital Agenda
With more than 23 years of experience in the ICT sector, Mr Mwale is expected to leverage his expertise to advance Africa's digital transformation agenda — with three priorities standing out:
Rural broadband expansion. Connecting the millions of Africans still without reliable internet access. Without connectivity, none of the rest of the digital agenda is possible.
Artificial intelligence-driven growth. Helping African countries move from being consumers of AI to producers — building solutions that reflect African realities and serve African markets.
Youth digital empowerment. Equipping the next generation of African talent with the digital and AI skills they need to lead. This is where DLC's work directly intersects with the broader continental agenda.
Why This Matters for Digital Literacy
At Digital Literacy Consultants, this appointment resonates deeply. The same week that Team Zambia returned from the global finals of the 2026 AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, a Zambian engineer is now positioned to lead Africa's telecommunications body for the next four years. The signal is unmistakable: Zambia is being taken seriously as a contributor to Africa's digital future, not just a recipient of it.
That future depends on the skills of ordinary Zambians — students, teachers, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Every learner we equip is a small contribution to the broader vision Mr Mwale will be working to advance at continental level.
We congratulate Mr Mwale on his election, and Zambia on this milestone. If you're a school, institution, or organisation that wants to be part of building that future, we'd love to talk. Visit our quote page to start a conversation about training, technology, or a digital lab for your community.