Another SADC candidate bids for high ATU post

By Arnold Mulenga, Zambia Contributor
Johannesburg, 16 Oct 2025
John OMO, current secretary-general of the ATU.
John OMO, current secretary-general of the ATU.

Zambia has nominated Kezias Mwale for the position of secretary-general of the Africa Telecommunications Union (ATU).

Mwale is the second candidate from Southern Africa, following Cynthia Lesufi's announcement in April of her quest for the same position for the 2026-2030 period.

The contest for the position will take place during the 2026 ATU Conference, which will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, in July of next year.

ATU, founded in 1977, is a specialised agency of the African Union's 55 members. Kenyan John Omo is the current Secretary-General, having been re-elected to a second term in 2022.

Mwale's campaign began with a courtesy call to the Zambian High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya. On Wednesday, he met with Exnobert Zulu, the Charge-d'affaires.

In a statement, the Zambian High Commission endorsed Mwale, saying: "Mr Mwale has served in the organisation for 14 years and is currently the director of spectrum at the ATU Headquarters in Nairobi.

“During the briefing, Eng. Mwale was able to familiarise himself with officials at the Mission and to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the upcoming ATU conference and the Union’s critical role in promoting telecommunications development across the African continent.”

Zulu underlined the Mission's preparedness to engage and support Mwale as he prepares for the 2026 elections.

The Zambian High Commission went on to say, given Mwale's extensive experience, leadership, and technical expertise, he is well-positioned to make a strong impression on the ATU membership and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing transformation and innovation of Africa's telecommunications sector.

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