Former President of Gambia, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, has called on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to work at ensuring that affordable telephone tariff for subscribers on the Africa continent is a reality.

Sir Jawara stated this at the just concluded African Telecoms Awards held in Lagos. He reiterated that affordable telephone tariffs are the backbone to connectivity and acts as a viable tool for driving development and alleviating poverty.

Sir Jawara added that ensuring adorable tariffs in Africa is a great challenge that will be of immense benefit to all Africans. He added that the collective efforts of all Africans should be harnessed to ensure that Africans diligently apply standards and norms that make life easier and equitable for the citizenry of Africa .

He added that standards and norms for the telecommunication sector are critical and particularly so in respect of streamlining and standardising tariff related matters.

Jawara also disclosed that there is a board which oversees study groups who provide specific and in this case regional focus, on tariff matters under the auspices of the Tariff Group for Africa (TAF). The discussions in the study groups include the tariff situation in Africa, review of the TAF group cost model and general tariff related matters of specific interest to Africa .

He called on the ITU Secretary General, who is an African to vigilantly pursue this agenda in Africa and for Africa .Jawara who is also inaugurated the African Telecoms Awards commended ongoing efforts at strengthening the economic community of West African States Ecowas in driving the liberalisation of the telecommunications market and developing a consensus approached style in its liberalisation strategy. "There is no doubt that this promotes private sector participation in the telecommunication sector and is perhaps the most effective way to achieve an integrated and harmonised Telecommunications market in Ecowas", he added.

Additionally, he called on Ecowas to encourage number portability within the region as is the practice in countries like Uganda ,Kenya ,Rwanda and Tanzania where a good example and practice of bridging the digital gap in Africa is taking place.

The former president also commended the organisers of the event for selecting him as the Chairman of the African Telecom Awards and Annual African Development Lecture.

In his words, "For this I am greatly honoured and extend to the steering committee of the Awards my profound and sincere gratitude for bestowing such confidence in me.

The African Telecom Awards is an off shot of the Nigerian Telecoms Awards and is held to celebrate the best of Telecoms across the African continent.