Africa Unites on Digital Future

Nairobi Meeting Sets Stage for Global Spectrum Talks….

The Post On Sunday

NAIROBI, KENYA – The rhythm of Africa’s digital future was set in motion this week as the continent’s leading policymakers, regulators, and telecommunications experts gathered in Nairobi for the 2nd African Preparatory Meeting for the World Radio Communication Conference 2027 (APM27-2).

For five days, from August 11 to 15, 2025, the halls of the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences in Nairobi pulsed with deliberations, debates, and consensus-building as delegates from across the African continent worked tirelessly to craft a unified position on spectrum management, a vital resource seen as the backbone of Africa’s next phase of digital transformation.

In simple terms, spectrum is the invisible highway that powers wireless communication, from mobile phones and satellite services to emergency communication systems and rural internet access. For Africa, a continent still grappling with patchy connectivity, unequal access, and a growing digital divide, spectrum management is more than just a technical conversation. It is about shaping the continent’s economic destiny.

The Nairobi meeting was therefore not just another technical workshop. It was a continental call to action, anchored by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Stephen Isaboke, who led discussions with the weight of urgency.

Delegates reviewed progress made since the first preparatory meeting (APM27-1), aligning regional priorities from bodies such as EACO, SADC, ECOWAS, and WATRA, and fine-tuning Africa’s negotiating position for the upcoming World Radio Communication Conference (WRC-27), a global summit where final decisions on spectrum allocation will be made.

Among the central issues debated was the securing of critical spectrum bands to drive mobile broadband expansion, improve satellite connectivity, and strengthen public safety networks.

For rural Africa, where millions remain disconnected from affordable internet, delegates stressed that spectrum allocation must prioritize rural connectivity and digital inclusion. Without this, Africa risks widening the digital gap between urban elites and underserved communities.

Equally important was the issue of cross-border coordination. With African countries packed closely together, spectrum interference has often hindered seamless communication. By harmonizing policies and working collectively, delegates noted, Africa can maximize spectrum efficiency while ensuring citizens enjoy uninterrupted services across borders.

Throughout the discussions, one theme rang louder than any technical debate: unity.

Closing the meeting, Mr. David Mugonyi, EBS, Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, captured the mood with a powerful reminder:

“Africa’s strength at WRC-27 depends on our unity today. Spectrum is not just a technical asset, it is the foundation for economic growth, innovation, and digital inclusion across our continent.”

His remarks drew nods of agreement from across the room, echoing the shared vision that Africa must present a strong, coordinated voice when engaging in global negotiations.

The outcomes of APM27-2 will now feed into the drafting of African Common Proposals (ACPs), official positions that will represent Africa’s spectrum priorities when tabled at WRC-27.

These ACPs are expected to be Africa’s guiding compass, ensuring that global decisions do not sideline the continent’s developmental needs but instead reinforce its aspirations for Agenda 2063, the African Union’s blueprint for inclusive growth and a digitally empowered continent.

Delegates also pledged to deepen collaboration through the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and regional bodies, while investing in capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the technical and negotiation skills of African stakeholders. This, they argued, would ensure that Africa is not just a participant in global conversations but a formidable influencer shaping the digital agenda.

As the curtains came down on the Nairobi meeting, it became clear that Africa’s spectrum debate is about more than bandwidth. It is about whether the continent can harness digital technologies to build robust economies, empower its youth, and close persistent development gaps.

For now, the unity displayed in Nairobi offers a glimmer of hope that Africa will not walk into WRC-27 divided, but as a collective force with one voice, determined to claim its rightful place in shaping the global digital order.

The challenge ahead, however, lies in maintaining that unity and translating strategy into tangible progress, ensuring that the promise of a connected Africa is not just spoken in conference halls, but lived in villages, towns, and cities across the continent.

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