ATU and GSMA Collaborate to Boost Africa's Telecom Revenue

The African Telecommunication Union (ATU), in partnership with the Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA), is addressing challenges in the telecom sector to boost its revenue from the current $240 billion. ATU Secretary General John Omo stated that mobile technologies contribute significantly to Africa's economy, supporting 13 million jobs and generating $45 billion in revenues.

He urged regulators to integrate findings from the GSMA's Mobile Economy Africa report into their regulatory practices. Michaela Angonius, GSMA’s Head of Policy and Regulation, called for the modernization of telecommunications licensing regimes, advocating for technology-neutral systems to accommodate emerging technologies.

She also recommended effective utilization of Universal Service Funds (USFs) to enhance rural connectivity and suggested removing levies on entry-level smartphones to improve access to digital services. The workshop held in Abuja focused on advancing Africa's digital future through better data, connectivity, and satellite regulation.