Story by Yolanda Moyo
GOVERNMENT has urged African countries to support the re-election of Zimbabwean telecommunications expert Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava as Director of the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Development Bureau.
Addressing delegates at a high-level continental gathering in Victoria Falls this Monday, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera said Dr Zavazava’s leadership remains critical in advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda and achieving universal connectivity across the continent.
Honourable Mavetera called on African member states to grant Dr Zavazava a second mandate, saying his experience and leadership are essential in consolidating progress made in expanding digital access and telecommunications development.
Dr Zavazava, a seasoned Zimbabwean diplomat with more than three decades of experience in the telecommunications sector, has during his first term overseen initiatives aimed at expanding broadband mapping, improving digital inclusion and enhancing digital skills development across Africa.
Meanwhile, in line with long-standing International Telecommunication Union tradition, where the host country assumes leadership of the forum, Gift Machengete has been officially appointed Chairperson of the ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa 2026.
Dr Machengete takes over leadership of the forum at a time when African countries are seeking coordinated strategies to accelerate universal internet connectivity, strengthen cyber-security frameworks and bridge the digital divide across the continent.
The forum in Victoria Falls is focusing on sustainable digital transformation, affordable connectivity and the development of resilient digital infrastructure to support Africa’s socio-economic growth agenda.
