Brief History

Founded in 1977 as a specialised agency of the Organisation of African Unity, now African Union, in the field of telecommunications, the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) took its present name in 1999. This led to the transformation of the agency into a partnership between public and private stakeholders in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

ATU provides a forum for stakeholders involved in ICT to formulate effective policies and strategies aimed at improving access to information infrastructure and services. In addition, the Union represents the interests of its members at global decision-making conferences and promotes initiatives aimed at integrating regional markets, attracting investment into ICT infrastructure, and building institutional and human capacity.

Why we exist

The mission of the Union is to promote the rapid development of info-communications in Africa in order to achieve universal access, and full inter-country connectivity.

The Union envisions an Africa that is empowered as a full and active participant in the global information and knowledge society.

ATU at a Glance

Established on December 7th, 1999, the African Telecommunications Union is the leading continental organisation fostering the development of information and communication technologies infrastructure and services.

The mission of the Union is to promote the rapid development of info-communications in Africa in order to achieve universal access, and full inter-country connectivity.

The Union envisions an Africa that is empowered as a full and active participant in the global information and knowledge society.

Membership… ATU currently has 44 Member States and 16 Associate Members (comprising fixed and mobile telecom operators).