By 
New Delhi hosts landmark agreement at TSDSI tech deep dive 2025
In a significant move to boost South–South cooperation in telecom and ICT innovation, the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
RELATED: AfriLabs and ATU in Pan-African alliance to boost digital innovation
The agreement was formalized during the TSDSI Tech Deep Dive (TTDD) 2025 Conference in New Delhi, signaling a shared commitment to collaborative ICT standardization and technical leadership across the Global South.
Driving Innovation in 5G, 6G, AI, IoT, and Rural Connectivity
This strategic partnership aims to strengthen joint efforts on emerging technologies such as 5G-Advanced, 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and rural broadband deployment. It seeks to close the long-standing “standardization gap” that has kept many developing nations on the margins of global standards development.
By aligning technical priorities and combining institutional strengths, India and Africa are positioning themselves as co-creators—not just consumers—of next-generation network technologies.
A United Voice in Global Standards Bodies
The collaboration gives both organizations greater leverage in international standardization platforms, particularly within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). India’s TSDSI is known for its contributions such as 5Gi, which enhances 5G coverage in rural areas. The ATU, as the regional telecom body for Africa and the ICT arm of the African Union, has played a pivotal role in articulating common African positions at global ICT forums.
“Africa and India share not only development aspirations but also an urgent need to be more meaningfully represented in the global standards-setting scene,” said ATU Secretary General Mr. John Omo. “This MoU offers us a necessary opportunity to share technical leadership in areas that can benefit both Africa and India.”
Inclusive Connectivity for the Digital Public Good
Both TSDSI and ATU emphasize inclusive digital transformation, with a strong focus on ensuring that rural and remote communities benefit from cutting-edge telecom solutions.
Mr. A. K. Mittal, Director General of TSDSI, highlighted:
“This collaboration is a natural alliance which will help discover common requirements and interests of end-users, service providers and policy makers from India and Africa, thus strengthening their voice on the global standards arena.”
He also noted the relevance of IMT-2030 Framework goals such as ubiquitous connectivity, sustainability, and AI-assisted networks, which align with the shared priorities of both regions.
A Roadmap for Capacity Building and Radiocommunication Cooperation
The MoU outlines a framework for:
- Joint participation in global ICT and radio standardization forums
- Co-development of technical specifications and regional use cases
- Capacity building initiatives to empower technical experts and policymakers
- Mutual support in integrating regional requirements into international telecom standards
Paving the Way for 6G and Beyond
With 6G and future wireless technologies already on the horizon, this India–Africa alliance arrives at a critical moment. The partnership ensures that emerging economies have a seat at the table in shaping the networks that will drive digital economies, innovation ecosystems, and smart infrastructures across the Global South.
By championing equitable and inclusive technology development, TSDSI and ATU are redefining the future of telecommunications standardization from a Global South perspective.
