[Berlin, Germany] – 1 August 2013 – The Internet Society (ISOC) and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) today announced an agreement to strengthen collaboration between the organizations in support of greater Internet access in Africa. The African Telecommunications Union is the newest Silver level (Non-Profit Organization) Organization Member of the Internet Society and the Internet Society has become an Associate (Gold Level) Member in the African Telecommunications Union.
The African Telecommunications Union is a specialized agency of the African Union (AU) and is a leading organization fostering the development of information and communications technologies infrastructure and services throughout Africa. The Internet Society is a global cause-driven organization that is dedicated to ensuring that the Internet stays open and accessible. Both organizations have a strong commitment and interest in working together to enable greater growth and usage of the Internet across Africa. The ATU and ISOC have had a long and fruitful relationship and are pleased that this has led to an exchange of memberships.
“The history of the Internet is based on collaboration and cooperation. A strong partnership between ISOC and the ATU will bring us one step closer to realizing our vision of an African continent that is fully connected, and where individuals and communities are empowered through access to the Internet and all it offers,” said Lynn St. Amour, President and CEO of the Internet Society.
Mr. Abdoulkarim Soumaila, Secretary General of the African Telecommunication Union in his remarks said, “The ATU believes that it is critical to create even more opportunities for our Members to be involved in the development of the Internet and to participate actively in the global Internet community. ATU-ISOC cooperation is therefore a way to further enhance more engagement and provide support to our Member States including governments, policy makers and regulators”
“The Internet Society’s African Regional Bureau has been working with partners in realizing our vision towards full connectivity of the African Continent. Shared knowledge and collaborative relationships are key drivers of successful Internet growth, not technology alone. Our team in Africa and beyond works to foster growth and access to technology by bringing information, training, and partnerships to people and communities across the globe, thus creating the conditions to empower users and generate economic growth,” said Dawit Bekele, Internet Society Regional Bureau Director for Africa.
About the African Telecommunication Union
Founded in 1977 as a specialized agency of the African Union, the mission of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) is to promote the rapid development of info-communications in Africa in order to achieve universal access, and full inter-country connectivity. The ATU provides a forum for stakeholders involved in ICT to formulate effective policies and strategies aimed at improving access to information infrastructure and services. To this end, ATU fosters partnerships between public and private stakeholders in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, attracting investment into ICT infrastructure, and building institutional and human capacity. ATU represents the interests of its members at global decision-making conferences and promotes initiatives aimed at integrating regional markets. For more information, see:http://www.atu-uat.org/
About the Internet Society
The Internet Society is the trusted independent source for Internet information and thought leadership from around the world. With its principled vision and substantial technological foundation, the Internet Society promotes open dialogue on Internet policy, technology, and future development among users, companies, governments, and other organizations. Working with its members and Chapters around the world, the Internet Society enables the continued evolution and growth of the Internet for everyone. For more information, see: http://www.internetsociety.org