Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation

CTO Leadership Shapes Global Digital Dialogue at WSIS 2026

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) made a significant contribution to the global digital policy agenda at the 2026 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum, with its leadership taking centre stage across three high-level Leaders TalkX sessions.

CTO Chairman Tassarajen Pillay Chedumbrum participated as a panellist in “From Access to Impact: Leading ICT Infrastructure Development,” where he underscored the critical role of Universal Service Funds (USFs) in achieving meaningful connectivity across the Commonwealth. Drawing on the CTO’s extensive experience in policy development, capacity building and practical implementation—including the successful delivery of the World Bank-funded Universal Service Fund framework for Malawi—he highlighted the need for USFs to move beyond financing infrastructure to supporting digital skills, education, healthcare and inclusive economic participation. He reaffirmed the CTO’s commitment to working with governments, regulators, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and development partners to ensure Universal Service Funds become catalysts for sustainable digital transformation.

On 8 July, CTO Secretary-General Bernadette Lewis joined the Leaders TalkX session “Building Resilience: Secure and Trusted Digital Public Infrastructure,” where she highlighted the importance of resilient, secure and trusted digital public infrastructure as the backbone of inclusive digital transformation. She emphasised that governments are the only institution with which every citizen must interact throughout their lives, making it essential to design digital public infrastructure that is secure, citizen-centred and trusted. She also called for stronger governance, collaboration and capacity building to ensure that digital public infrastructure delivers tangible benefits for all.

On 9 July, CTO Head of Digital Development Leonard Obonyo moderated the Leaders TalkX session “Frameworks that Enable: Policy Leadership in ICT Development,” guiding discussions among global leaders on the policies and regulatory frameworks required to accelerate innovation, strengthen digital governance and create enabling environments for sustainable ICT development. The session reinforced the importance of collaborative policymaking in achieving inclusive and future-ready digital economies.

These three high-level engagements reflect the CTO’s enduring commitment to advancing international cooperation, strengthening digital governance and supporting Commonwealth countries in building resilient, inclusive and trusted digital ecosystems. As the Organisation celebrates its 125th anniversary, its leadership at WSIS 2026 demonstrates the continued relevance of the CTO in shaping global conversations and delivering practical solutions that empower member countries to thrive in the digital age.

🌍 CTO Digital Excellence Awards 2026

Universal Access & Service Excellence Award

Digital inclusion changes lives.

The Universal Access & Service Excellence Award celebrates outstanding initiatives that expand connectivity and ensure underserved communities can fully participate in the digital economy.

From connecting rural schools and health centres to bringing affordable internet to low-income households, these initiatives are breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for education, healthcare, innovation and economic growth.

🏆 Recognition at this level represents a benchmark for digital inclusion across the Commonwealth.

Submit your nomination and showcase your impact.

CTO and ITU Seal New Partnership with the Signing of Joint Declaration to Strengthen Digital Connectivity Across the Commonwealth

As the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) celebrates its 125th Anniversary, it continues to strengthen global partnerships that will shape the future of digital development across the Commonwealth.

On the sidelines of the inaugural Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and the AI for Good Summit in Geneva, the CTO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) signed a Joint Declaration to strengthen cooperation in advancing digital connectivity across the Commonwealth.

The partnership will deliver a series of regional workshops across Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Asia, introducing the ITU’s Connectivity Planning Platform (CPP) and Global Economic Model and Study Tool (GEMS). Through practical, hands-on capacity building, the initiative will support Member States in developing data-driven connectivity strategies, strengthening digital infrastructure planning and attracting investment to expand access for underserved communities.

The Joint Declaration was signed by Ms. Bernadette Lewis, Secretary-General of the CTO and Dr. Cosmas Luckyson ZAVAZAVA, PhD, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau

Together, the CTO and ITU are reinforcing their shared commitment to building a more connected, inclusive and digitally empowered Commonwealth.

🚀 AI is no longer the future — it’s driving growth today.

Join CTO & KLabs on 15 July as we launch a strategic partnership focused on building AI capabilities and future-ready workforces.

Topics:
✔ AI skills strategies
✔ Jobs & entrepreneurship
✔ Learning pathways
✔ The future workforce

📅 15 July 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM BST

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7NufsPoySaOroXkeNE5M5w

🚀 CTO Digital Excellence Awards – Category Spotlight

🏛️ Digital Policy & Regulatory Excellence Award

Great policies do more than govern, they unlock innovation, accelerate progress, and shape the digital future.

This category recognises bold policies and forward-thinking regulatory frameworks driving meaningful impact across the Commonwealth.

Lead the change. Set the benchmark. Gain recognition for your impact.

CTO Members

CTO DIGITAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS – CATEGORY SPOTLIGHT

🔐 Cybersecurity Excellence Award

In an era of evolving digital threats, strengthening cyber resilience is a critical pillar of digital leadership.

This category recognises initiatives that enhance cybersecurity frameworks, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote awareness across the Commonwealth.

Recognition at this level reflects not only innovation, but strategic vision and lasting impact.

CTO Members and Organisations are encouraged to submit nominations today for the Cybersecurity Excellence Award.

Strengthening Digital Ecosystems Through Collaboration: CTO Digital Development Day in Mozambique

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), in partnership with the National Communications Institute of Mozambique (INCM), successfully convened the CTO Digital Development Day in Maputo, Mozambique, under the theme “Strengthening Digital Ecosystems through Collaboration.”

The event brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, academia, investors, and innovators to explore practical approaches to accelerating digital transformation and strengthening Mozambique’s digital ecosystem.

Opening the event, Ms Helena Fernandes, Chairperson of INCM, welcomed participants, followed by remarks from Ms Bernadette Lewis, Secretary-General of the CTO, Dr Emmanuel C. Manasseh, ITU Regional Director for Africa, and Ms Nilsa Sandra Miquidade, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation of Mozambique. Together, they highlighted the importance of partnerships, innovation, and digital inclusion in driving sustainable development.

A high-level Private Sector Roundtable facilitated by Mr Adilson Gomes, Chairman of the Board of the Digital Transformation and Innovation Agency, brought together leading industry players including Cisco, Huawei, Nokia, Seacom, Vodacom, Tmcel, Movitel and Raxio to discuss opportunities for strengthening Mozambique’s digital economy.

The Academia-Industry Dialogue featured a keynote address by Dr Windfred Mfuh, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of Cameroon, who emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between academia, industry and government to build a digitally skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the future economy.

A key highlight of the day was the Innovators’ Forum, which brought together emerging entrepreneurs, ecosystem enablers and technology leaders to explore pathways for fostering innovation and scaling digital solutions. The session featured a keynote address by Engineer Luis Neves, Director of the Centre for Information Technology (CIUEM) at Eduardo Mondlane University, and showcased innovative ideas from young innovators from both Mozambique and Lesotho. Discussions focused on entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, access to opportunities, and the role of collaboration in transforming ideas into impactful solutions.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, build digital talent, support innovation, and create an enabling environment for digital transformation across Mozambique and the wider Commonwealth.

From Lesotho to Mozambique: CTO Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Leaders

What began as an Innovation Challenge during the CTO Digital Roadshow in Lesotho has become an inspiring international journey for four young innovators: Relebohile Irene Mopa, Thato Flora Rasupu, Nomvuduka Valentina Mabaleha, and Ikaneng Christopher Makakole.

After emerging as winners of the competition organised by the Lesotho Communications Authority and receiving awards from the Government of Lesotho, the innovators were given a unique opportunity by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) to participate in the CTO Digital Development Day in Mozambique.

Representing solutions to real-world challenges, they brought with them three innovative projects: a Clinic Management System designed to modernise healthcare delivery, Nala – Reimagining Job Access, a platform connecting job seekers to verified employment opportunities, and CertiVert, a blockchain-based certificate verification solution.

This week, the innovators joined delegates at Mozambique’s National Communications Conference, engaging with policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and fellow innovators while gaining valuable insights into the future of digital transformation.

Their experience extended beyond the conference halls. On 23 June, they participated in a lecture at Eduardo Mondlane University on Promoting Women and Girls in Telecommunications and ICT, delivered by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. The session provided an opportunity to interact with students, academics and global leaders championing digital inclusion and gender equality in technology.

Their journey will culminate on 24 June at the CTO Digital Development Day at INCM headquarters, where two of the innovators will take to the stage as panelists, while all four will showcase their innovations, participate in discussions and network with fellow young innovators from across Africa.

From Lesotho to Mozambique, these young innovators are demonstrating the power of talent, innovation and opportunity. Their story reflects the CTO’s commitment to empowering young people and ensuring they are not only part of the conversation, but active contributors to shaping the Commonwealth’s digital future.