The
Director General of the Regional African Satellite Communication Agency
(RASCOM), Timothy Ashong has participated in the Universal Service Fund (USF)
in West Africa workshop held at the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The workshop, themed "Bridging the Digital Divide: Mobilizing
Universal Service Funds for Enhanced Connectivity in Africa,"
provided a platform for dialogue among public sector leaders, regulators,
telecommunications operators, and other key stakeholders.
The
event focused on leveraging Universal Service Funds to address the connectivity
gaps that persist in underserved and rural areas across the continent. It
highlighted innovative strategies and best practices to ensure these funds are
effectively utilized to drive digital inclusion and empower communities that
remain marginalized in the digital economy.
In
his contributions, Mr. Ashong explained the critical role satellite
communication plays in overcoming connectivity challenges, especially in remote
regions where traditional infrastructure is limited. He reaffirmed RASCOM’s
commitment to collaborating with governments and industry players to enhance
universal access to digital services and reduce the digital divide in Africa.
The
workshop also featured the presentation of GSMA’s comprehensive report on
Universal Service Funds in Africa. The report served as a cornerstone for
strategic discussions, offering valuable insights and recommendations on
optimizing the management and deployment of USF resources to maximize their
impact.
The
event was graced by a host of distinguished dignitaries, including Mr. Yacouba
Bamba, Chairman of ANSUT (Agence Nationale du Service Universel des
Télécommunications), which manages the Universal Service Fund in Côte d’Ivoire.
Other notable attendees included Mr. John Omo, Secretary General of the African
Telecommunications Union; Mr. Ekissi Narcisse, Director of Cabinet at the
Ministry of Digitalisation; Madame Bintou Ouattara, representing the Governor’s
Office of Cocody; and Mr. Coulibaly Amadou, Director General of ANSUT.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
