ATU chief stresses satellite resources for Africa at ITSO 42nd Assembly of Parties

African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Secretary General John Omo addressed the 42nd Assembly of Parties (AP-42) of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) in Washington, D.C. His opening statement recalled Africa's long engagement with ITSO and the continuing importance of satellite resources for connectivity and access across the continent.

Delegates from Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa were acknowledged for what they have added to ITSO's work, and were photographed with Omo and ITSO Director General Dr Renata Brazil David.

ITSO says the assembly ran from 30 September to 2 October 2026 and brought together 85 Parties. It was the first held under Brazil David's leadership. On the final day, Omo met her bilaterally to discuss deepening ATU–ITSO cooperation on satellite and radiocommunication issues.

Why it matters: Satellite capacity and spectrum policy underpin broadband, and Earth observation data delivery, across Africa. Continued ATU engagement with ITSO signals that African states want a coordinated voice on satellite resources in international forums.