The Acting Chairperson of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Abdullah L. Kamara, has engaged global leaders in the telecommunications sector to promote Liberia’s full participation in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Acting Commissioner Kamara met with Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary General of the ITU, during the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA 24) in New Delhi, India. Their discussions focused on strategies to enhance Liberia’s telecommunications sector and its role in international initiatives.
Kamara underscored the importance of early involvement in ITU activities. “We want to be at the forefront, fully engaged from the very beginning when crucial decisions are being made,” he stated. He emphasized the need for capacity building to help Liberia transition from a passive observer to an active participant in the global telecommunications landscape.
He highlighted the success of President Boakai’s Digital Transformation Project, noting that over 10,000 Liberian youth have been trained in essential digital skills during its first phase, empowering them for a technology-driven workforce. In response, Martin pledged support for establishing a robust training framework to further equip Liberia for the digital age.
The leaders also addressed key issues such as project financing, regulatory policies, and infrastructure challenges within the telecommunications sector. They explored e-government initiatives aimed at digitizing services to improve access for citizens facing difficulties in obtaining essential documents.
Additionally, Commissioner Kamara held discussions with Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the Communication Development Bureau of the ITU, where they strategized on enhancing Liberia’s telecommunications landscape. Kamara announced the recent licensing of Starlink, which aims to improve connectivity in remote areas, a vital step toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring underserved communities have access to essential services.
This series of discussions marked a significant moment for Liberia’s telecommunications sector, emphasizing a collaborative approach to fostering a more connected and innovative future—as Liberia seeks to strengthen its position within the global telecommunications framework, the conversations at WTSA 24 are expected to pave the way for important advancements in the sector.
The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), taking place this year in India, serves as the governing conference for the ITU Standardization Sector (ITU-T) and is one of three major conferences of the ITU, part of the United Nations system. Held every four years, WTSA outlines the priorities and focus areas for ITU-T’s upcoming study period.