As part of the 2nd African Preparatory Meeting for WRC-27 (APM27-2)

11th Asia Pacific Spectrum Management Conference

Event Overview

The 10th Sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference returned to Nairobi, Kenya on 11-12 August 2025 taking place as part of the 2nd African Preparatory Meeting for WRC-27 (APM27-2), in partnership with ATU and hosted by the Communications Authority, Kenya.

Across 2 days attendees had the opportunity to be involved in discussions on the key spectrum topics for the Sub Sahara region and beyond, through interactive sessions, networking opportunities, an exhibition area and much more.

This event is part of The Global Spectrum Series, The world’s largest collection of regional spectrum policy conferences. Click on the images on the right to find out more about the series and to view the photos from 2024.

Global Spectrum Series

This event takes place as part of the Global Spectrum Series - the world’s largest collection of regional spectrum policy conferences.

Learn More

2024 Event

Highlights from the event in 2024

Learn More

Event Highlights

This year marked the 10th edition of the Sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference. Hear from some of our speakers and delegates on their key takeaways and view the event photos below.

Event Photos

Key Themes

Charting Africa’s Path and Progress Post WRC-23

Tackling the Digital Divide

Building the wider mid-band ecosystem

Spectrum pricing and licensing strategies

The future of the 3.8 - 4.2 GHz band

Towards a harmonised regional 5G strategy

Direct-to-device and NTN Licensing

APM27-2 and strategies towards WRC-27

Event Background

For 9 years, The Sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference has provided the leading neutral platform for spectrum stakeholders policy discussion in the region. This event is taking place as part of The Global Spectrum Series.

Over 200 delegates joined 2 days of discussions in Nairobi in 2024. Watch the highlights from the two days, and catch up on the sessions below.

9th Sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference

Day 1 Afternoon Sessions | The 10th Sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference

Day 2 Morning Sessions | The 9th sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference

Day 2 Afternoon Sessions | The 9th sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference

Organisers & Partners

Organised by

In partnership with

Hosted by

Supported by

Platinum Partners

Gold Partners

Silver Partners

Knowledge Partners

Networking Partner

Speakers Included

John Omo

Secretary General
ATU

David Mugonyi

Director General & CEO Communications Authority of Kenya
CA Kenya

Ilham Ghazi

Head, Broadcasting Services Division, Radiocommunications Bureau
ITU

Emilia Nghikembua

CEO
CRAN Namibia

Kezias Mwale

Director, Radiocommunications African Telecommunications Union

Gababo Wako

Assistant Director, Frequency Monitoring and Compliance
CA Kenya

Basebi Moisinyi

Deputy Director Spectrum Management
BOCRA Botswana

El Hadjar Abdouramane

Chair
ATU WRC-27 Working Group on Aeronautical and Radiolocation Services

Peter Djakwah

Manager, Engineering
NCA Ghana

Lucy Nyakwera

Telecommunications Engineer
UCC Uganda

Martins Langa

Executive Director, Engineering and Inspection Division,
INCM, Mozambique

Eric Fournier

Director for Spectrum Planning and International Affairs
ANFR France

Alex Kuehn

Head of Section, International & National Spectrum Management
BNetzA Germany

Elizabeth Migwalla

Vice President International Government Affairs Qualcomm

Peter Zimri

Former ICASA Councillor
Access Partnership

Joe Frans

AUB Expert
Broadcast Networks Europe

Pierre-Frédéric Siaud

Regulatory Affairs Associate, Africa and Middle East
Sateliot

Eiman Mohyeldin

Global Head of Spectrum Standardization
Nokia

Kevin Eisenhauer

Senior Principal Regulatory Engineer
SES

Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo

Chair of the GSA ATU Spectrum Team
GSA

Nada Abdelhafez

Head of Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs
Shure

Shiv Bakhshi

Vice President, Industry Relations
Ericsson

Linden Petzer

Senior Consultant for Africa
GSOA

Caroline Mbugua

Senior Director, Public Policy & Communications
GSMA, Africa

Raymond Bouwman

Consultant
Coleago Consulting

Daniel Batty

Regulatory & Policy Advisor
Newsky.plus

Saul Friedner

Director, Spectrum Services and Business Development
LS telcom

Ferran Font

Spectrum Policy Analyst
GSMA

Andy Hudson

CEO, Spectrivity

Bashir Gwandu

Independent Spectrum Expert

David Mugonyi

Director General & CEO
Communications Authority of Kenya

John Omo

Secretary General African Telecommunications Union (ATU)

Jonathan Wall

Partner
Aetha Consulting

Nikolai Vassiliev

Chief of Terrestrial Services Department ITU

Ronel le Grange

Executive, Engineering & Technical Services Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)

Ntombiza Sithole

Councillor ICASA

Dut Acol De Dut

Director of Spectrum Management National Communication Authority, South Sudan

Kezias Mwale

Technical Coordinator African Telecommunications Union (ATU)

Andrew Changa

Liaison Manager, ICT, East African Communications Organisation (EACO)

Dennis Sonoiya

Principal Officer / Data Management CA Kenya

Luc Lukomba

Head of Frequency Assignment Department ARPTC, DRC

Ahmed Boraud

Director, Radiocommunications ARCEP Niger

Mandialy Bodian

Head of Spectrum Management Department ARTP Senegal

Jean-Pierre Faisan

Chair, Communications Working Group Broadcast Networks Europe

Graham Friend

Co-founder and Managing Director Coleago Consulting

Cesar Gutierrez Miguelez

Head of Africa Regulatory Policy Huawei

Kamal Tamawa

Director, Spectrum & Industry Services, Sub-Saharan Africa GSMA

Peng Zhao

Vice President, Policy & Regulatory GSOA

Hazem Moakkit

Vice President, Spectrum Strategy Intelsat

Helen Kyeyune

Lead, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, EMEA Amazon Project Kuiper

Ivan Suarez

Director, Regulatory and Policy Newsky.plus

Rihab Rabbaj

Business Research Analyst Cullen International

Mortimer Hope

Associate Director and Africa Lead Policy Impact Partners

Judicaël Vivien Monde

CTO/HoT Mobile Networks, North & West Africa Nokia

Ali Cheema

Director Spectrum Regulations Ericsson

Guillaume Mascot

Senior Manager, Global Regulatory Policy Shure

Dr. Ir. Ismail MT

Director General of Resources Management and Equipment of Posts and Informatics
Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Indonesia

Masanori Kondo

Secretary General
APT

Kyu-Jin Wee

Chairman
APT preparatory group for WRC-23 (APG)

Agenda

You can view the agenda in your preferred time zone by selecting it from the list below.

Day 1

2025-08-11

Day 2

2025-08-12

Day 1

2025-08-11

09:00 - 09:45

Keynote Presentations

John Omo

Secretary General, ATU

David Mugonyi

Director General & CEO Communications Authority of Kenya, CA Kenya

Ilham Ghazi

Head, Broadcasting Services Division, Radiocommunications Bureau, ITU

09:45 - 11:05

Session 1: From Agreement to Action: Charting Africa’s Path and Progress Post WRC-23

We are now almost 2 years on from WRC-23, and countries across Sub-Saharan Africa are well into the crucial phase of translating international decisions into national policy and regulatory action. From key decisions around the upper 6GHz and 600MHz bands to broader questions around licensing frameworks and spectrum availability, this session will look at the work that has started at both a national and regional level to implement the decisions that were made. It will examine the positions that are emerging at a national and regional level, at the progress that is being seen. The discussion will also focus on the flexibility afforded by footnotes in key decisions, and how this can be used to support diverse national priorities while maintaining a coherent regional approach. With a complex mix of development goals, technological imperatives, and regulatory challenges, what are the next steps facing African policymakers, regulators, and industry players post WRC-23?

What concrete steps have been taken by national administrations in Sub-Saharan Africa to begin implementing WRC-23 outcomes?
How is the ATU supporting regional coordination and facilitating a harmonised approach to WRC-23 implementation across its member states?
Which WRC-23 agenda items or band decisions have seen the most immediate attention or uptake in the region, and why?
What decisions were made in key bands such as the upper 6GHz and the 600MHz band, and how does the approach in Africa differ to those in other regions around the world?
What specific progress has been seen in these key bands in the 2 years since WRC-23, and what is the best way forward to ensure that the economic value of these key frequencies is maximised?
To what extent do the footnotes introduced at WRC-23 offer genuine flexibility for national implementation, and how should administrations approach them in practice? Should a single approach apply across Africa or is there scope to identify a framework that allows flexibility for countries to take account of their national priorities?
What challenges are countries facing in transposing WRC-23 decisions into national regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding spectrum availability and licensing?
How is the region balancing its development goals with the demands of international harmonisation, especially in relation to 5G, satellite, and broadcasting services?

Moderator: Ilham Ghazi

Head, Broadcasting Services Division, Radiocommunications Bureau, ITU

Atiku Lawal

Head Spectrum Administration Department, Nigerian Communications Commission

Stella Kokwenda Banyenza

Principal Telecommunication Engineer, TCRA, Tanzania

Peter Zimri

Former ICASA Councillor, Access Partnership

Joe Frans

AUB Expert, Broadcast Networks Europe

Eiman Mohyeldin

Global Head of Spectrum Standardisation, Nokia

Nada Abdelhafez

Head of Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs, Shure

11:05 - 11:30

Refreshment Break

11:30 - 12:40

Session 2: Striking a balance in the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz Band: Evolving Models and Emerging Opportunities

The 3.8-4.2 GHz C-band continues to be a critical resource in Sub-Saharan Africa, predominantly serving fixed satellite services (FSS). However, the spectrum landscape is rapidly evolving, and as demand for spectrum grows around the world – particularly for mobile broadband, enterprise networks, and emerging digital services – this band is increasingly under consideration for shared or alternative use. However, any shift must carefully balance innovation with the continued reliability of the satellite services that remain vital to many regions. This panel will explore where the short term and longer-term future of the band may lie in Africa, and the extent to which there may be an option to look at introducing new uses whilst safeguarding incumbent operations. It will explore the regulatory, technical, and market dynamics shaping the future of the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band, and at the extent to which a balance can be struck that accommodates both traditional and emerging technologies.

What is the current use of the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band across Sub-Saharan Africa, and what services are currently most reliant on it?
To what extent could there be an option to introduce new users, such as IMT or private networks, while maintaining and protecting essential satellite services? What regulatory measures could be an option to deliver this whilst protecting service providers from interference?
To what extent could a Dynamic Spectrum Access approach, such as the one proposed by ICASA in South Africa, provide a solution to enhance spectrum utilization and market entry for new players? How could potential interference with existing FSS operations be avoided in this situation?
What are the technical implications of introducing mobile broadband at different power levels in the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band, particularly regarding coexistence with existing satellite services?
What lessons can be learned from the experiences in Europe, where power limits have been used to enable the band to provide vertical connectivity and local networks?
How can regional harmonization of this band be ensured with regard to possible future use, and what role can bodies like the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) play?

Moderator: Saul Friedner

Director, Spectrum Services and Business Development, LS telcom

Alex Kuehn

Head of Section, International & National Spectrum Management, BNetzA

Martins Langa

Executive Director, Engineering and Inspection Division, INCM, Mozambique

Nompucuko Nontombana

Councillor, ICASA

Kevin Eisenhauer

Senior Principal Regulatory Engineer, SES

Theo Spathopoulos

Senior Specialist Spectrum Standardization, Nokia

12:40 - 13:40

Lunch

13:40 - 15:05

Session 3: Advancing towards a harmonised 5G strategy across Sub-Saharan Africa

During each of the previous editions of this conference, a session has been held to discuss the progress, challenges, and opportunities as Sub-Saharan Africa plans for the implementation of 5G. This session will be a continuation of this. An increasing number of countries have now moved from planning to implementation, and are rolling out 5G networks, but a number of challenges still remain. The 2025 ATU-R report “5G Preparedness and Relevant Use Cases in Africa” reveals that while over half of the African countries have made regulatory preparations for 5G, spectrum availability, infrastructure readiness, and lack of harmonisation are hindering progress. This session will continue to build on the ongoing regional dialogue, focusing on the work that is being done to overcome obstacles and deliver on the target of a unified regional strategy for 5G. It will address lessons from early adopters, analyse models for spectrum harmonisation, and evaluate how to best leverage 5G for economic growth and inclusive development.

What progress has been seen in the past year, regarding the rollout and expansion of 5G networks across African nations?
Which countries in the region serve as effective models for early 5G deployment, and what institutional or policy factors enabled their success?
How do global 5G policies influence Africa’s 5G deployment strategies?
How does spectrum availability in key 5G bands (e.g., 3.5 GHz, 700 MHz) vary across the region, and what steps are needed for harmonisation?
Should Sub-Saharan Africa adopt a phased approach to standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G deployment models, or should deployment be use-case driven?
What infrastructure and regulatory gaps need to be addressed to support the backhaul and core network requirements of 5G in Sub-Saharan Africa?
What levels of take-up of 5G services by consumers and businesses is being seen in those countries that have rolled out 5G services? What work is being done to drive adoption at both a national and regional level?
What mechanisms are available to regulators and Governments to help reduce deployment costs and encourage private sector investment in 5G networks? What examples of this are being seen and what impact is it having?
What lessons can be drawn from 5G rollouts and spectrum allocation approaches in African markets and globally? How can these insights inform a coordinated regional strategy and support effective national-level implementation of 5G services?

Moderator: Elizabeth Migwalla

Vice President, International Government Affairs, Qualcomm

Peter Djakwah

Manager, Engineering, NCA Ghana

Gababo Wako

Assistant Director, Frequency Monitoring and Compliance, CA Kenya

Charley Lewis

Councillor, ICASA

Osman Issah

Unit Manager, Digital Infrastructure, Strategy and Operationalization, Smart Africa

Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo

Chair of the GSA ATU Spectrum Team, GSA

Gerishon Gitonga

Head of Network Planning and Design, Safaricom

15:05 - 15:30

Refreshment Break

15:30 - 15:50

Thinking Point: The rise of Private Mobile networks and the effects for Spectrum allocation

Moderator: Andy Hudson

CEO, Spectrivity

Raymond Bouwman

Consultant, Coleago Consulting

15:50 - 16:10

Thinking Point: Smarter Spectrum Pricing and Licensing Strategies to Support Inclusive Regional Growth

Moderator: Andy Hudson

CEO, Spectrivity

Caroline Mbugua

Senior Director, Public Policy & Communications, GSMA, Africa

16:10 - 17:30

Session 4: Bridging the Gap – Leveraging Spectrum Policy & Technological Advances to Tackle the Digital Divide in Sub-Saharan Africa

Despite rapid advancements in digital technology and a growing recognition of connectivity as a fundamental enabler of economic and social development, much of Sub-Saharan Africa remains offline. With over 70% of the population still unconnected, addressing the digital divide is both a critical challenge and a profound opportunity for inclusive growth. This session will explore the pivotal role of spectrum policy and management in extending digital access to underserved and unserved communities across the region. It will examine how regulators, policymakers, operators, and innovators can collaborate to unlock spectrum’s full potential as a tool for inclusion—particularly through low-band and mid-band frequencies that support wide-area, cost-effective coverage. Speakers will reflect on the current policy landscape, share regional and international best practices, and highlight innovative technologies and licensing models that are helping to drive rural connectivity. Discussions will also consider how spectrum strategies can be aligned with broader universal access goals, investment incentives, and infrastructure-sharing frameworks to create a more connected Sub-Saharan Africa.

What is the current status of the digital divide in Sub-Saharan Africa, and how can spectrum policy directly address the most persistent coverage gaps?
Which frequency bands hold the greatest potential for expanding rural and low-income connectivity, and how are they currently being utilised?
How can innovative spectrum approaches—such as dynamic/shared spectrum models, regional licensing, or community-based access—help bring connectivity to remote and underserved areas?
How can satellite and terrestrial operators work together to help contribute to a solution towards closing the digital divide? What impact can integrated new technologies such as Direct-to-Device have as part of the solution?
What role can governments and regulators play in creating favourable conditions for private investment in high-cost, low-revenue areas, such as through spectrum pricing, licensing incentives, or public-private partnerships?
How can spectrum policy be harmonised across borders to facilitate more efficient deployments, reduce device costs, and encourage greater investment across the region?
What examples—within Africa or globally—show successful models of leveraging spectrum to close the connectivity gap, and what can be learned from them?
How can regulators support infrastructure sharing and open access models through spectrum licensing conditions, to reduce duplication and expand rural networks?

Moderator: Jonathan Wall

Principal, Aetha Consulting

Emilia Nghikembua

CEO, CRAN Namibia

Shiv Bakhshi

Vice President, Industry Relations, Ericsson

Pierre-Frédéric Siaud

Regulatory Affairs Associate, Africa and Middle East, Sateliot

Stephane Mebaley Ekome

Global Spectrum & Regulatory Policy, GSOA

Gaudensia Chepkonga

Head of Technology Strategy, Safaricom

Bashir Gwandu

Independent Spectrum Expert

17:30 - 18:30

Networking Reception – hosted by Broadcast Networks Europe

Day 2

2025-08-12

09:00 - 10:15

Session 5: Direct-to-Device (D2D) Communication – What path forward to maximise the value for Africa?

As Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity begins to move from concept to reality, many see it as an opportunity to transform the connectivity landscape across Africa and beyond. At the same time, it raises complex challenges for spectrum management, regional harmonisation, and the protection of incumbent services. Two distinct technical and regulatory approaches are emerging—one leveraging Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum, and the other adapting International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) bands—each carrying unique implications for policy, coordination, and coexistence. With global frameworks still evolving and WRC-27 on the horizon, stakeholders in Africa have a unique opportunity to influence how D2D develops locally and globally. This panel will consider the state of play, early lessons from trials, and the strategic decisions that will shape the continent’s role in this next chapter of digital inclusion.

What are the key challenges and opportunities that the emergence of D2D connectivity could pose for spectrum managers and for stakeholders in Africa more broadly?
What work is taking place in Africa and around the world to explore the adaptation of existing regulatory frameworks and systems? With D2D connectivity set for discussion at WRC-27, what is the situation in the interim 4-year period? Where does the balance lie between not stifling innovation, but also ensuring the protection of all users on a temporary basis whilst long-term solutions are found?
What different bands and access models are being considered for D2D? Is coordination of spectrum bands possible at a regional level? And globally?
What are the key use cases for D2D communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, and to what extent could it play a part in tackling the digital divide?
What work has begun on defining system characteristics of services and sharing conditions with incumbent services?
Is the “first-come-first-served” principle in ITU satellite coordination well suited for D2D and other future connectivity models and requirements?
What examples are being seen across countries in the region of starting to test D2D services? What experiences have been seen? Which spectrum is being used for the tests?

Moderator: Daniel Batty

Regulatory & Policy Advisor, Newsky.plus

El Hadjar Abdouramane

Chair, ATU WRC-27 Working Group on Aeronautical and Radiolocation Services

Dennis Sonoiya

Principal Officer/Data & Documentation, CA Kenya

Eric Fournier

Director for Spectrum Planning and International Affairs, ANFR France

Ferran Font

Spectrum Policy Analyst, GSMA

Kevin Eisenhauer

Co-chair, Africa Region, GSOA

L. Barbee Ponder IV

General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Globalstar

10:15 - 10:40

Refreshment Break

10:40 - 11:55

Session 6: Bringing it all together – Towards APM27-2 and broader strategies for WRC-27

The 2nd ATU Regional Preparatory Meeting for WRC-27 (APM27-2) will take place the week after this conference. Earlier sessions at this conference have discussed many of the key issues and agenda items to be discussed, and using those discussions as a backdrop ahead of that, this session will provide a bridge to next week’s meeting and at the key discussions that are set to take place. It will provide the opportunity for stakeholders to outline their priorities, objectives, and strategies, and explore early indications of African positions on critical agenda items that are emerging. By examining emerging trends, potential challenges, and areas for greater coordination, the discussion will set the scene for the continuation of preparatory work at a regional level in Africa, and provide insights into the best way forward to deliver a cohesive and effective strategy for WRC-27 and ensure a successful outcome.

What should be the key regional objectives and key agenda items for Africa at WRC-27, and how can countries and stakeholders collaborate to achieve these objectives?
What progress in these areas has been seen to date, and what are set to be the key discussions at the ATU regional preparatory meeting (APM27-2) next week?
What have been the outcomes of sessions into these topics at this conference, and how could these feed into the broader discussions at APM27-2?
In which areas and agenda items is a consensus emerging across Africa and the rest of Region 1, and where are there different positions?
How important will WRC-27 be for setting the spectrum strategy for Africa beyond 2030, and how can it be ensured that this longer-term outlook is taken into account when considering priorities across key agenda items?
What insights and experiences from WRC-23 can help shape strategies for WRC-27?
To what extent should regulators be looking to align objectives for WRC-27 with their national spectrum strategies?
Are trends being seen towards either increased or decreased coordination and harmonisation of spectrum policies across African countries and sub-regions? How important is it that harmonisation is achieved, and what role can WRC-27 play in helping to deliver this?

Moderator: Kezias Mwale

Director, Radiocommunications, African Telecommunications Union (ATU)

Mohamed Haji

Chair, APM27-2 & Director, Standards and Resource Management, CA Kenya

Lucy Nyakwera

Telecommunications Engineer, UCC Uganda

Basebi Moisinyi

Deputy Director Spectrum Management, BOCRA

Geraldo Neto

Chair, Sub Working Group Agenda Item 1.7, ITU Working Party 5D

Ferran Font

Spectrum Policy Analyst, GSMA

Linden Petzer

Senior Consultant for Africa, GSOA

11:55 - 12:00

Final Summary and End of Conference

Peter Ngige

Deputy Director, Frequency Planning & Licencing, CA Kenya

09:00 - 09:45

Keynote Presentations

John Omo

Secretary General, ATU

David Mugonyi

Director General & CEO Communications Authority of Kenya, CA Kenya

Ilham Ghazi

Head, Broadcasting Services Division, Radiocommunications Bureau, ITU

09:45 - 11:05

Session 1: From Agreement to Action: Charting Africa’s Path and Progress Post WRC-23

What concrete steps have been taken by national administrations in Sub-Saharan Africa to begin implementing WRC-23 outcomes?
How is the ATU supporting regional coordination and facilitating a harmonised approach to WRC-23 implementation across its member states?
Which WRC-23 agenda items or band decisions have seen the most immediate attention or uptake in the region, and why?
What decisions were made in key bands such as the upper 6GHz and the 600MHz band, and how does the approach in Africa differ to those in other regions around the world?
What specific progress has been seen in these key bands in the 2 years since WRC-23, and what is the best way forward to ensure that the economic value of these key frequencies is maximised?
To what extent do the footnotes introduced at WRC-23 offer genuine flexibility for national implementation, and how should administrations approach them in practice? Should a single approach apply across Africa or is there scope to identify a framework that allows flexibility for countries to take account of their national priorities?
What challenges are countries facing in transposing WRC-23 decisions into national regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding spectrum availability and licensing?
How is the region balancing its development goals with the demands of international harmonisation, especially in relation to 5G, satellite, and broadcasting services?

Moderator: Ilham Ghazi

Head, Broadcasting Services Division, Radiocommunications Bureau, ITU

Atiku Lawal

Head Spectrum Administration Department, Nigerian Communications Commission

Stella Kokwenda Banyenza

Principal Telecommunication Engineer, TCRA, Tanzania

Peter Zimri

Former ICASA Councillor, Access Partnership

Joe Frans

AUB Expert, Broadcast Networks Europe

Eiman Mohyeldin

Global Head of Spectrum Standardisation, Nokia

Nada Abdelhafez

Head of Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs, Shure

11:05 - 11:30

Refreshment Break

11:30 - 12:40

Session 2: Striking a balance in the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz Band: Evolving Models and Emerging Opportunities

What is the current use of the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band across Sub-Saharan Africa, and what services are currently most reliant on it?
To what extent could there be an option to introduce new users, such as IMT or private networks, while maintaining and protecting essential satellite services? What regulatory measures could be an option to deliver this whilst protecting service providers from interference?
To what extent could a Dynamic Spectrum Access approach, such as the one proposed by ICASA in South Africa, provide a solution to enhance spectrum utilization and market entry for new players? How could potential interference with existing FSS operations be avoided in this situation?
What are the technical implications of introducing mobile broadband at different power levels in the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band, particularly regarding coexistence with existing satellite services?
What lessons can be learned from the experiences in Europe, where power limits have been used to enable the band to provide vertical connectivity and local networks?
How can regional harmonization of this band be ensured with regard to possible future use, and what role can bodies like the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) play?

Moderator: Saul Friedner

Director, Spectrum Services and Business Development, LS telcom

Alex Kuehn

Head of Section, International & National Spectrum Management, BNetzA

Martins Langa

Executive Director, Engineering and Inspection Division, INCM, Mozambique

Nompucuko Nontombana

Councillor, ICASA

Kevin Eisenhauer

Senior Principal Regulatory Engineer, SES

Theo Spathopoulos

Senior Specialist Spectrum Standardization, Nokia

12:40 - 13:40

Lunch

13:40 - 15:05

Session 3: Advancing towards a harmonised 5G strategy across Sub-Saharan Africa

What progress has been seen in the past year, regarding the rollout and expansion of 5G networks across African nations?
Which countries in the region serve as effective models for early 5G deployment, and what institutional or policy factors enabled their success?
How do global 5G policies influence Africa’s 5G deployment strategies?
How does spectrum availability in key 5G bands (e.g., 3.5 GHz, 700 MHz) vary across the region, and what steps are needed for harmonisation?
Should Sub-Saharan Africa adopt a phased approach to standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G deployment models, or should deployment be use-case driven?
What infrastructure and regulatory gaps need to be addressed to support the backhaul and core network requirements of 5G in Sub-Saharan Africa?
What levels of take-up of 5G services by consumers and businesses is being seen in those countries that have rolled out 5G services? What work is being done to drive adoption at both a national and regional level?
What mechanisms are available to regulators and Governments to help reduce deployment costs and encourage private sector investment in 5G networks? What examples of this are being seen and what impact is it having?
What lessons can be drawn from 5G rollouts and spectrum allocation approaches in African markets and globally? How can these insights inform a coordinated regional strategy and support effective national-level implementation of 5G services?

Moderator: Elizabeth Migwalla

Vice President, International Government Affairs, Qualcomm

Peter Djakwah

Manager, Engineering, NCA Ghana

Gababo Wako

Assistant Director, Frequency Monitoring and Compliance, CA Kenya

Charley Lewis

Councillor, ICASA

Osman Issah

Unit Manager, Digital Infrastructure, Strategy and Operationalization, Smart Africa

Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo

Chair of the GSA ATU Spectrum Team, GSA

Gerishon Gitonga

Head of Network Planning and Design, Safaricom

15:05 - 15:30

Refreshment Break

15:30 - 15:50

Thinking Point: The rise of Private Mobile networks and the effects for Spectrum allocation

Moderator: Andy Hudson

CEO, Spectrivity

Raymond Bouwman

Consultant, Coleago Consulting

15:50 - 16:10

Thinking Point: Smarter Spectrum Pricing and Licensing Strategies to Support Inclusive Regional Growth

Moderator: Andy Hudson

CEO, Spectrivity

Caroline Mbugua

Senior Director, Public Policy & Communications, GSMA, Africa

16:10 - 17:30

Session 4: Bridging the Gap – Leveraging Spectrum Policy & Technological Advances to Tackle the Digital Divide in Sub-Saharan Africa

What is the current status of the digital divide in Sub-Saharan Africa, and how can spectrum policy directly address the most persistent coverage gaps?
Which frequency bands hold the greatest potential for expanding rural and low-income connectivity, and how are they currently being utilised?
How can innovative spectrum approaches—such as dynamic/shared spectrum models, regional licensing, or community-based access—help bring connectivity to remote and underserved areas?
How can satellite and terrestrial operators work together to help contribute to a solution towards closing the digital divide? What impact can integrated new technologies such as Direct-to-Device have as part of the solution?
What role can governments and regulators play in creating favourable conditions for private investment in high-cost, low-revenue areas, such as through spectrum pricing, licensing incentives, or public-private partnerships?
How can spectrum policy be harmonised across borders to facilitate more efficient deployments, reduce device costs, and encourage greater investment across the region?
What examples—within Africa or globally—show successful models of leveraging spectrum to close the connectivity gap, and what can be learned from them?
How can regulators support infrastructure sharing and open access models through spectrum licensing conditions, to reduce duplication and expand rural networks?

Moderator: Jonathan Wall

Principal, Aetha Consulting

Emilia Nghikembua

CEO, CRAN Namibia

Shiv Bakhshi

Vice President, Industry Relations, Ericsson

Pierre-Frédéric Siaud

Regulatory Affairs Associate, Africa and Middle East, Sateliot

Stephane Mebaley Ekome

Global Spectrum & Regulatory Policy, GSOA

Gaudensia Chepkonga

Head of Technology Strategy, Safaricom

Bashir Gwandu

Independent Spectrum Expert

17:30 - 18:30

Networking Reception – hosted by Broadcast Networks Europe

09:00 - 10:15

Session 5: Direct-to-Device (D2D) Communication – What path forward to maximise the value for Africa?

What are the key challenges and opportunities that the emergence of D2D connectivity could pose for spectrum managers and for stakeholders in Africa more broadly?
What work is taking place in Africa and around the world to explore the adaptation of existing regulatory frameworks and systems? With D2D connectivity set for discussion at WRC-27, what is the situation in the interim 4-year period? Where does the balance lie between not stifling innovation, but also ensuring the protection of all users on a temporary basis whilst long-term solutions are found?
What different bands and access models are being considered for D2D? Is coordination of spectrum bands possible at a regional level? And globally?
What are the key use cases for D2D communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, and to what extent could it play a part in tackling the digital divide?
What work has begun on defining system characteristics of services and sharing conditions with incumbent services?
Is the “first-come-first-served” principle in ITU satellite coordination well suited for D2D and other future connectivity models and requirements?
What examples are being seen across countries in the region of starting to test D2D services? What experiences have been seen? Which spectrum is being used for the tests?

Moderator: Daniel Batty

Regulatory & Policy Advisor, Newsky.plus

El Hadjar Abdouramane

Chair, ATU WRC-27 Working Group on Aeronautical and Radiolocation Services

Dennis Sonoiya

Principal Officer/Data & Documentation, CA Kenya

Eric Fournier

Director for Spectrum Planning and International Affairs, ANFR France

Ferran Font

Spectrum Policy Analyst, GSMA

Kevin Eisenhauer

Co-chair, Africa Region, GSOA

L. Barbee Ponder IV

General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Globalstar

10:15 - 10:40

Refreshment Break

10:40 - 11:55

Session 6: Bringing it all together – Towards APM27-2 and broader strategies for WRC-27

What should be the key regional objectives and key agenda items for Africa at WRC-27, and how can countries and stakeholders collaborate to achieve these objectives?
What progress in these areas has been seen to date, and what are set to be the key discussions at the ATU regional preparatory meeting (APM27-2) next week?
What have been the outcomes of sessions into these topics at this conference, and how could these feed into the broader discussions at APM27-2?
In which areas and agenda items is a consensus emerging across Africa and the rest of Region 1, and where are there different positions?
How important will WRC-27 be for setting the spectrum strategy for Africa beyond 2030, and how can it be ensured that this longer-term outlook is taken into account when considering priorities across key agenda items?
What insights and experiences from WRC-23 can help shape strategies for WRC-27?
To what extent should regulators be looking to align objectives for WRC-27 with their national spectrum strategies?
Are trends being seen towards either increased or decreased coordination and harmonisation of spectrum policies across African countries and sub-regions? How important is it that harmonisation is achieved, and what role can WRC-27 play in helping to deliver this?

Moderator: Kezias Mwale

Director, Radiocommunications, African Telecommunications Union (ATU)

Mohamed Haji

Chair, APM27-2 & Director, Standards and Resource Management, CA Kenya

Lucy Nyakwera

Telecommunications Engineer, UCC Uganda

Basebi Moisinyi

Deputy Director Spectrum Management, BOCRA

Geraldo Neto

Chair, Sub Working Group Agenda Item 1.7, ITU Working Party 5D

Ferran Font

Spectrum Policy Analyst, GSMA

Linden Petzer

Senior Consultant for Africa, GSOA

11:55 - 12:00

Final Summary and End of Conference

Peter Ngige

Deputy Director, Frequency Planning & Licencing, CA Kenya

Select date to see events.

Event Information

Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi
Mkungu Close, Westlands, off Parklands Road,
Nairobi, P.O Box 1853
00606 NAIROBI
Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find out more about the Global Spectrum Series and other Forum Global events?

You can find more information on the Global Spectrum Series here.

Where can I find out more information on the APM27-2?

More information is available on the ATU website here, where you will be able to register for both the APM & also the Sub Sahara Spectrum Event.

More information about the APM27-2 is available on the ATU website here, where you will also be able to register for both the APM & the 10th Sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference.

Invitation letters for the event are available in English and French on the links below.

Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi
Mkungu Close, Westlands, off Parklands Road,
Nairobi, P.O Box 1853
00606 NAIROBI
Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I register?

You can register for both events via the registration portal hosted on the ATU website here

Is virtual attendance possible?

It has recently been announced that there will now be a virtual stream for the conference and APM27-2. Should you be interested in following the proceedings online, please register here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. Should you have any questions on the registration process, or experience any problems on the day, please contact [email protected].

Is there a fellowship scheme for this event?

If you would like to enquire about our fellowship scheme, please contact [email protected].

Where can I find out more about the Global Spectrum Series and other Forum Global events?

You can find more information on the Global Spectrum Series here.

Where can I find out more information on the APM27-2?

More information is available on the ATU website here, where you will be able to register for both the APM & also the Sub Sahara Spectrum Event.

Contact

For more information on any aspect of this event, please contact the team at:

[email protected]

Tel: +44 (0) 2920 783 072

Receive Event Updates

Sign up to receive updates on our upcoming policy events. We will only send you emails about the conferences and topics that interest you, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

As part of the 2nd African Preparatory Meeting for WRC-27 (APM27-2)

11th Asia Pacific Spectrum Management Conference

Event Overview

Event Highlights

Event Photos

Key Themes

Event Background

9th Sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference

Highlights | The 9th Sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference

Day 1 Morning Sessions | The 9th Sub Sahara Spectrum Management conference

Day 1 Afternoon Sessions | The 10th Sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference

Day 2 Morning Sessions | The 9th sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference

Day 2 Afternoon Sessions | The 9th sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference

Organisers & Partners

Organised by

In partnership with

Hosted by

Supported by

Platinum Partners

Gold Partners

Silver Partners

Knowledge Partners

Networking Partner

Speakers Included

John Omo

Secretary GeneralATU

David Mugonyi

Director General & CEO Communications Authority of Kenya CA Kenya

Ilham Ghazi

Head, Broadcasting Services Division, Radiocommunications Bureau ITU

Emilia Nghikembua

CEOCRAN Namibia

Kezias Mwale

Director, Radiocommunications African Telecommunications Union

Gababo Wako

Assistant Director, Frequency Monitoring and ComplianceCA Kenya

Basebi Moisinyi

Deputy Director Spectrum Management BOCRA Botswana

El Hadjar Abdouramane

Chair ATU WRC-27 Working Group on Aeronautical and Radiolocation Services

Peter Djakwah

Manager, EngineeringNCA Ghana

Lucy Nyakwera

Telecommunications Engineer UCC Uganda

Martins Langa

Executive Director, Engineering and Inspection Division, INCM, Mozambique

Eric Fournier

Director for Spectrum Planning and International Affairs ANFR France

Alex Kuehn

Head of Section, International & National Spectrum Management BNetzA Germany

Elizabeth Migwalla

Vice President International Government Affairs Qualcomm

Peter Zimri

Former ICASA CouncillorAccess Partnership

Joe Frans

AUB ExpertBroadcast Networks Europe

Pierre-Frédéric Siaud

Regulatory Affairs Associate, Africa and Middle EastSateliot

Eiman Mohyeldin

Global Head of Spectrum Standardization Nokia

Kevin Eisenhauer

Senior Principal Regulatory Engineer SES

Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo

Chair of the GSA ATU Spectrum TeamGSA

Nada Abdelhafez

Head of Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs Shure

Shiv Bakhshi

Vice President, Industry RelationsEricsson

Linden Petzer

Senior Consultant for AfricaGSOA

Caroline Mbugua

Senior Director, Public Policy & Communications GSMA, Africa

Raymond Bouwman

ConsultantColeago Consulting

Daniel Batty

Regulatory & Policy AdvisorNewsky.plus

Saul Friedner

Director, Spectrum Services and Business DevelopmentLS telcom

Ferran Font

Spectrum Policy AnalystGSMA

Secretary General
ATU

Director General & CEO Communications Authority of Kenya
CA Kenya

Head, Broadcasting Services Division, Radiocommunications Bureau
ITU

CEO
CRAN Namibia

Assistant Director, Frequency Monitoring and Compliance
CA Kenya

Deputy Director Spectrum Management
BOCRA Botswana

Chair
ATU WRC-27 Working Group on Aeronautical and Radiolocation Services

Manager, Engineering
NCA Ghana

Telecommunications Engineer
UCC Uganda

Executive Director, Engineering and Inspection Division,
INCM, Mozambique

Director for Spectrum Planning and International Affairs
ANFR France

Head of Section, International & National Spectrum Management
BNetzA Germany

Former ICASA Councillor
Access Partnership

AUB Expert
Broadcast Networks Europe

Regulatory Affairs Associate, Africa and Middle East
Sateliot

Global Head of Spectrum Standardization
Nokia

Senior Principal Regulatory Engineer
SES

Chair of the GSA ATU Spectrum Team
GSA

Head of Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs
Shure

Vice President, Industry Relations
Ericsson

Senior Consultant for Africa
GSOA

Senior Director, Public Policy & Communications
GSMA, Africa

Consultant
Coleago Consulting

Regulatory & Policy Advisor
Newsky.plus

Director, Spectrum Services and Business Development
LS telcom

Spectrum Policy Analyst
GSMA

Director General & CEO
Communications Authority of Kenya

Partner
Aetha Consulting