Nigeria has called on African countries to strengthen regional cooperation and present a united front in shaping the future of global telecommunications and digital innovation, as the continent prepares for crucial elections at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The call was made during the Seventh Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries, held in Abuja, where policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and government representatives from across Africa gathered to harmonise the continent’s position on key digital and telecommunications issues ahead of major international engagements.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, stressed that Africa’s future competitiveness would depend on its ability to harness digital technologies while strengthening collaboration among member states.
He noted that broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, satellite communications and secure digital networks have become indispensable drivers of economic growth, innovation and efficient public service delivery. He therefore urged African nations to work collectively in expanding digital connectivity, enhancing cybersecurity and promoting responsible technological innovation.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking at the conference, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasised the need for coordinated African engagement in global digital policy and innovation ecosystems.
He highlighted the launch of the APLAS Network, an initiative that builds on Nigeria’s N-ATLAS programme to accelerate the development of locally relevant Large Language Models (LLMs) while promoting greater representation of African languages in artificial intelligence.
According to Tijani, Africa must continue investing in indigenous innovation to ensure that emerging technologies reflect the continent’s unique cultures, realities and development priorities.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, described the conference as a strategic platform for forging consensus on Africa’s telecommunications priorities and strengthening the continent’s representation in global institutions.
He noted that Africa’s influence in international telecommunications policy would be significantly enhanced through a coordinated regional approach, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting collaboration among African nations.
“This is a very important moment for us in Nigeria, especially because of the elections coming up in which we will be contesting for some positions. As I mentioned during the opening ceremony, Africa’s unity in taking decisions is important as we move forward and secure our place in the global telecommunications sector,” Maida stated.
He added that stronger cooperation among African administrations would accelerate digital inclusion, expand telecommunications infrastructure and position the continent to harness emerging opportunities within the global digital economy.
The Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), John Omo, commended Nigeria for successfully hosting the conference and urged member states to sustain a unified African voice in advancing the continent’s digital transformation agenda.
Similarly, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, encouraged African nations to take on greater leadership in the global digital ecosystem by becoming creators, innovators and active contributors to future technologies and international standards.
The conference also served as a platform for African countries and candidates seeking election and re-election into various positions within the ITU ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. Participants agreed that maintaining a common African position would be critical to advancing the continent’s telecommunications, digital innovation and development priorities on the global stage.
By hosting the conference, Nigeria reaffirmed its leadership role in promoting regional collaboration, accelerating Africa’s digital transformation agenda and strengthening the continent’s influence in global telecommunications governance.
