ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration among African countries ahead of the 2026 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference, urging the continent to present a united front in shaping global telecommunications, digital governance and emerging technology policies.
The appeal was made during the Seventh Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Abuja, where government officials, regulators, policymakers and industry leaders gathered to coordinate Africa’s position ahead of key international telecommunications elections and policy negotiations.
The conference focused on strengthening Africa’s collective influence in global digital governance as the continent seeks greater representation in international institutions responsible for telecommunications standards, spectrum management, digital innovation and technology development.
Nigeria Calls for Greater Regional Cooperation
Speaking on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said Africa’s ability to compete in the global digital economy would depend on deeper regional cooperation and coordinated policy action.
He noted that broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite communications and secure digital networks have become critical drivers of economic growth, innovation and public service delivery.
According to him, African countries must work together to expand digital infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity and promote responsible innovation if the continent is to unlock its full economic potential.
“For Africa, this presents both an enormous opportunity and a profound responsibility. No single nation, regardless of its size or resources, can fully realise Africa’s digital ambitions in isolation. Our future depends on collaboration,” Hadejia said on behalf of the Vice President.
Tijani Highlights African AI Development
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stressed the importance of coordinated African participation in global digital policy and technology ecosystems.
He highlighted the launch of the APLAS Network, an initiative designed to build on Nigeria’s N-ATLAS programme by accelerating the development of African large language models (LLMs) and increasing the representation of African languages in artificial intelligence systems.
According to Tijani, Africa must invest in indigenous innovation and ensure emerging technologies reflect the continent’s cultural diversity, development priorities and socio-economic realities.
He said building home-grown digital capabilities would strengthen Africa’s competitiveness while reducing dependence on foreign technology platforms.
NCC: African Unity Critical Ahead of ITU Elections
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, described the conference as an important platform for building consensus on Africa’s telecommunications priorities ahead of the forthcoming ITU elections.
Maida said a coordinated African position would significantly enhance the continent’s ability to influence international telecommunications policy and secure strategic positions within global institutions.
“This is a very important moment for us in Nigeria, particularly with the forthcoming elections in which African countries, including Nigeria, will be contesting for key positions,” he said.
“As we move forward, Africa’s unity in decision-making will be essential to strengthening our position in the global telecommunications sector.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation and supporting initiatives that expand digital inclusion, accelerate telecommunications infrastructure development and enhance Africa’s influence in global digital governance.
ATU, ITU Back Stronger African Representation
Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), John Omo, commended Nigeria for hosting the conference and emphasised the importance of maintaining a unified African voice in advancing the continent’s telecommunications and digital transformation agenda.
Similarly, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin urged African nations to play a more active role in shaping the future of global digital technologies.
She encouraged the continent to evolve from being primarily a consumer of digital technologies into a leading innovator, technology developer and contributor to international standards.
Preparing Africa’s Position for Global Digital Governance
The conference also provided an opportunity for African member states and candidates seeking election or re-election to leadership positions within the ITU ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, one of the global telecommunications sector’s most significant policy-making events.
Participants agreed that a coordinated African strategy would strengthen the continent’s influence on key issues including digital connectivity, spectrum management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion and emerging communications technologies.
Nigeria’s hosting of the conference reinforces its ambition to play a leading role in Africa’s digital transformation while supporting stronger regional cooperation and greater African representation in global telecommunications governance.
The discussions are expected to contribute to a unified African agenda aimed at enhancing the continent’s competitiveness in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
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