The Southern African telecoms bloc is pushing for more agile, proactive and collaborative regulation as emerging technologies rapidly transform the sector.
This was the focus of the 46th Ordinary Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Communications Regulators' Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), which opened in Mangochi, Malawi, on Monday.
The three-day meeting is hosted by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), which holds the rotational chairpersonship of CRASA.
Mayamiko Nkoloma, director-general of MACRA, spoke at the official opening.
"Artificial intelligence, satellite technologies, cross-border digital platforms and emerging cybersecurity threats are reshaping communications while consumers increasingly demand faster, affordable and reliable services. We cannot regulate tomorrow's technologies using yesterday's approaches," he said.
Nkoloma urged CRASA members to strengthen the sharing of regulatory experience, harmonise approaches where appropriate and develop common regional positions to advance the interests of the SADC region.
"As regulators, we must focus on meaningful connectivity, innovation and consumer protection while addressing challenges such as online fraud, cybercrime and other digital harms," he said.
The meeting will also review legal and economic frameworks governing consumer protection and universal service access across the region.
Established in 1997 and headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana, CRASA is a collaborative forum for national regulatory authorities to harmonise policies governing the ICT, broadcasting and postal sectors across the SADC region.
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