NAIROBI, Kenya, August 13 – Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke has assumed the Chairmanship of the African Preparatory Process for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).
He took over from Kanono Ramashamole, Principal Secretary for ICT in the Kingdom of Lesotho, during the 2nd African Preparatory Meeting (APM27-2) at the Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi.
Mr. Isaboke will serve as Chair throughout the WRC-27 study cycle, steering Africa’s strategic and technical coordination, harmonising regional positions, and championing the continent’s interests in global spectrum and satellite orbit negotiations.
“Today, we advance the progress initiated during APM27-1. We assess our gains, consolidate common positions, and chart a unified way forward — together,” said Mr. Isaboke during the handover.
Key focus areas for APM27-2 include strengthening Africa’s position for WRC-27, securing high-value spectrum bands and orbital slots for broadband expansion, and driving digital inclusion through emerging technologies such as direct-to-device satellite connectivity.
The meeting will also review Africa’s performance at WRC-23, refine strategies, and address continent-specific spectrum issues, including spectrum refarming, harmonisation of mobile broadband for 5G and future 6G, and the expansion of satellite broadcasting and broadband services.
Delegates underscored that spectrum is critical to enabling cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data sharing, and the Internet of Things — all reliant on high-speed, reliable connectivity for growth and innovation.
APM27-2 provides a platform for African nations to deliberate, align, and present a unified voice in shaping the future of global radiocommunication.
