By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Several alumni of the
International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) iPRIS programme have reconnected
at the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar, highlighting
the importance of continued cooperation and knowledge exchange among telecommunications
regulatory institutions.
The interactions, involving
telecommunications experts from Tanzania, Gabon, Guinea and Kenya, took place
as member states and industry stakeholders gathered for the conference, which
opened on November 9 under the theme “Together for a Connected Digital Future”.
The reunion of iPRIS alumni
provides an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships and exchange
experiences among regulatory experts working across different
telecommunications markets in Africa.
The conference, which runs
until November 27, is addressing key issues shaping the global
telecommunications sector, including expanding connectivity, strengthening the
resilience of digital infrastructure, advancing satellite communications and
harnessing emerging technologies.
During the opening ceremony,
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the progress made in
digital connectivity while acknowledging the challenges that remain.
“With 99% of its population
online, Qatar has achieved near-universal connectivity, supported by extensive
fibre and advanced mobile networks. Our task now is to help every country
advance from its own starting point,” Bogdan-Martin said.
Member States are also
expected to shape the ITU's strategic priorities for 2028–2031, with decisions
that will influence international telecommunications policy and support more
inclusive digital development.
