Benin’s Flavien Bachabi elected Vice Chair at ITSO Advisory Committee meeting in Washington

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Representatives from member states of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) have elected Flavien Bachabi of Benin as Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee during its Twenty-Sixth Meeting (IAC-26) held in Washington, D.C.

The two-day meeting, hosted at American University Washington College of Law, brought together 48 representatives from 29 ITSO member states to deliberate on the future of satellite communications and global connectivity. The session marked the first Advisory Committee meeting presided over by ITSO Director General Renata Brazil David since her election.

Bachabi’s election as Vice Chair reflects growing recognition of Benin’s role in international telecommunications and its contribution to shaping discussions on equitable access to satellite services. He will serve alongside Chair Doug May of the United States in guiding the Committee’s work and advancing its strategic priorities.

Deliberations during the meeting focused on key trends influencing the satellite communications sector, including evolving technologies, market dynamics, and the need for strengthened global cooperation. ITSO reaffirmed its mandate to ensure that satellite telecommunications services are delivered on a global and non-discriminatory basis, particularly as demand for connectivity continues to expand.

Participants also received technical insights and industry perspectives from SES Satellites, with contributions highlighting ongoing developments and future outlooks in satellite operations and infrastructure.

The outcomes of the meeting underscored the importance of multilateral engagement in addressing connectivity gaps and fostering inclusive access to digital services worldwide. Bachabi’s new role is expected to contribute to these efforts, strengthening representation from Africa within ITSO’s leadership framework.