Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
The Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Mrs. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, paid an official visit to Senegal on Friday, October 24, where she was received by Mr. Dahirou Thiam, Director-General of the Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes (ARTP). The meeting marked an important step in strengthening cooperation between Senegal and the United Nations’ specialized agency for information and communication technologies.
During the discussions, both leaders addressed several key areas of mutual interest, including connectivity, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and eco-friendly regulation. They also emphasized the importance of inclusive digital development, highlighting initiatives such as the International Day of Girls in ICT, which promotes women’s and young people’s participation in the digital economy.
The talks further explored partnership opportunities and mechanisms to finance projects and programs aimed at accelerating Senegal’s digital transformation. Mrs. Bogdan-Martin commended Senegal’s progress in digital policy and innovation, noting the country’s growing influence within the ITU framework. This visit, her first to Senegal as ITU Secretary-General, symbolizes the continued collaboration between the ITU and Senegal, which has been a member of the ITU Council since 1972.
The ITU maintains a regional office in Dakar, and Mrs. Bogdan-Martin expressed her intention to strengthen the organization’s presence in Senegal to better support regional initiatives. For his part, Mr. Dahirou Thiam praised the active participation of Senegalese experts in the ITU’s various technical commissions, recognizing their contribution to the country’s visibility and leadership on the international telecommunications stage.
