Cameroon, through the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB), is making its mark on the global stage of digital governance. Professor Philémon Zoo Zame, Director General of the TRB, is leading the national delegation to the 26th Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR 26) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), held in Ankara, Türkiye, from May 12 to 15.

Widely regarded as the benchmark for digital regulation, this annual forum convenes leaders of telecom and ICT regulatory authorities worldwide. The 2026 edition, themed “Navigating the Digital Frontier,” focuses on shaping resilient and inclusive digital futures through innovative regulatory approaches.

Across four days, technical workshops and high level exchanges tackled the challenges posed by emerging technologies — from 6G and satellite connectivity to artificial intelligence and quantum computing — while testing the adaptability of regulatory frameworks in the face of rapid innovation. The Cameroonian delegation contributed to a session highlighting two flagship ITU instruments: the Connectivity Planning Platform (CPP) and the Global Economic Model (GEMS), designed to anticipate infrastructure needs and guide investment strategies.

Discussions also underscored the value of reliable data for forward looking regulation and the importance of regional cooperation within the Digital Regulation Network (DRN). These themes resonate strongly with TRB’s priorities: expanding broadband, fostering digital inclusion, and advancing cross border data governance.

The participation of TRB’s Director General reflects the maturity of Cameroon’s regulatory system and its determination to play an active role in shaping the global digital architecture. The symposium will culminate in the adoption of the Best Practice Guidelines, a reference framework to which Cameroon is contributing.

In a continental context defined by the rollout of 5G, the deployment of low earth orbit satellites, and pressing questions of digital sovereignty, TRB positions itself as a committed actor rather than a passive observer — reaffirming its leadership in Africa’s digital transition and its pledge to ensure that the digital revolution benefits all Cameroonians.

ESMA