Rim Belhassine-Cherif
CIO and CSO, Tunisie Telecom
Dr. Rim Belhassine-Cherif is a general engineer. She is currently the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer and is responsible for the digital transformation department at the incumbent telecom operator in Tunisia “Tunisie Telecom”. Dr. Belhassine Cherif has participated in several ITU conferences, seminars and workshops and she holds many positions at ITU-T such as Chairperson of ITU-T Study Group 13 Regional Group for Africa (SG13RG-AFR) and Chairperson of the Network of Women in ITU-T. She is also Vocabulary Rapporteur for the ITU Standardization Committee for Vocabulary (SCV) and co-convener of the ITU-T Correspondence Group on Study Group 13 future direction. She served as Vice-Chairperson of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group and Co-Rapporteur for Standardization Strategy from 2017 to 2022. Moreover, she served as Vice-Chairperson of ITU-T Study Group 13 from 2013 to 2024, Vice-Chairperson of WP3/13 from 2018 to 2024 and also Vice-Chairperson of the ITU-T Focus Group on Bridging the Gap: from Innovation to Standards between 2013 and 2015. Dr. Belhassine Cherif graduated from the Higher School of Posts and Telecommunications of Tunis. She obtained her Master’s degree and then her Ph.D. degree from the National Engineering School of Tunis and also obtained an Executive MBA from Paris-Dauphine University and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University (promotion major). In the academic field, she has conducted several research activities in the domain of telecommunications and electrical engineering, and she is the author of many papers published in international and national conferences and scientific journals.
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 Lawal Bello
NCC, Nigeria
Senior Manager, Technical Standards and Network Integrity Department, Nigerian Communications Commission: Dr. Lawal Bello is a Senior Manager at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in the Department of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, with the responsibilities of review and development of Technical Guidelines/Standards for the Telecoms Industry as well as responsible for the Standardization and Adoption of new and emerging technologies covering IMT 2020, Big Data, AI and other emerging services. He studied Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, MSc Computer Networking Engineering as well as Ph.D in Wireless Communications all from University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom. Dr. Bello research interest includes Next Generation Networks, Mobile Ad Hoc Wireless Networks (MANETs). Dr. Bello has published many research Journal and Conference papers in IEEE, IET, book chapters, etc. He has vast experiences as Board Member at National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Lecturer, IT Special Adviser Nigerian National Assembly, Policy making, Guidelines and drafting of Regulatory instruments for the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector.
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 Jacob Gondwe
ZICTA, Zambia
Mohamed El Ghaly WONE is a network and telecommunications engineer specializing in radiocommunications and holds a Master's degree in applied mathematics. A recognized expert in the quality of service of electronic communications networks, he is proficient in data measurement, analysis, and processing; radio frequency spectrum management and pricing; and flow control and monitoring. With extensive experience at the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARTP), he has held the positions of QoS engineer, head of the Spectrum Fleet Monitoring and Pricing Department, head of the Quality of Service Department, and, since October 2024, head of the Network Technical Inspection Center. In these roles, he has led national measurement campaigns, supervised the implementation of monitoring tools, and contributed to the development of technical protocols and observatories. Certified in several areas ranging from QoS monitoring to spectrum management and project management, Mohamed El Ghaly WONE is recognized for his commitment, initiative, and team management skills. His career demonstrates in-depth expertise and a key role in strengthening the regulation and performance of telecommunications networks in Senegal.
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 Bellingtone Kabwe
Head of Infrastructure Network, Fibrecom
Bellingtone Kabwe is a distinguished enginer with over 25 years of experience in electrical telecommunications and ICT Infrastructure.
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 Tshiamo Khunwane
EdgeNqoba, South Africa
Founder & Chief Architect, Osigak Technologies / EdgeNqoba. An Enterprise Architect and platform strategist with over 20 years of experience, including nearly two decades at Osigak Technologies spearheading mobile traffic analytics and digital infrastructure innovation. A technical contributor to ITU-T SG13 Regional Group for Africa, his expertise centers on edge computing interoperability, sovereign data residency, and carrier-grade mediation
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 Mohammed Kyari Mustafa
NCC, Nigeria
Mohammed Kyari Mustafa, PhD, FIMC, MNCS, MBCS, serves as Vice Chair of ITU T Study Group 13, the ITU’s lead group for Future Networks, Cloud Computing, and emerging digital technologies. He is also Vice Chair of the ITU T SG13 Regional Group for Africa and an Associate Rapporteur for ITU T Question 5/13, where he helps drive international work on applying Future Networks and innovation in developing countries. Through these roles, Mohammed contributes to shaping global standards and strengthening Africa’s participation in the international standardization ecosystem. Mohammed is a Senior Manager at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), where he leads strategic initiatives in telecommunications regulation, emerging technologies, and national digital transformation. His work at the NCC plays a central role in advancing Nigeria’s regulatory frameworks and supporting the country’s evolving digital economy. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Nottingham Trent University, with research focused on Artificial Intelligence — specifically on device speech recognition using neural networks and Hidden Markov Models. His research has earned significant academic impact, including recognition from the British Computer Society’s Specialist Group on AI. A Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, Mohammed’s career bridges regulation, AI research, and global standards leadership — advancing intelligent networks and supporting inclusive digital innovation across Africa and the global community.
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 Thomas Ngoma
CTO, MTN Zambia
Thomas is a highly accomplished technology leader with over two (2) decades of experience in mobile network engineering and technology management. He has delivered transformative results; strengthening network resilience, driving cost efficiencies, and ensuring MTN Zambia maintains its position as the best-performing network in the market. His leadership has been instrumental in major milestones, including Zambia’s first 4G rollout in 2014 and the launch of 5G in 2022, positioning MTNZ as a pioneer in advanced connectivity. Thomas has also led modernization programs and strategic spectrum acquisitions that expanded LTE coverage and prepared our network to support future growth . Thomas' career spans leadership roles in MTN Zambia and MTN Rwanda, as well as global assignments with Huawei and ZTE across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, giving him a truly international perspective on technology transformation. Thomas continues to lead the Technology function with a focus on innovation, reliability, and customer experience - ensuring the network remains future-ready and aligned with MTN’s vision of a bold, digital future.
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