Nigeria has called on African countries to strengthen regional cooperation and present a united front in advancing the continent’s priorities on the global stage, particularly as Africa seeks greater influence in international telecommunications and digital governance.
The appeal was made during the Seventh Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Abuja. The conference brought together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from across Africa to discuss the continent’s digital future and coordinate positions ahead of key international telecommunications engagements.
Representing the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, emphasized that Africa’s future competitiveness will largely depend on its ability to harness digital technologies while strengthening collaboration among member states.
He noted that broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite communications, and secure digital networks have become essential drivers of economic growth, innovation, and efficient public service delivery. According to him, African nations must work together to expand connectivity, improve cybersecurity, and promote responsible innovation across the continent.
“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.”
Also addressing participants, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stressed the importance of coordinated African participation in global digital policy discussions and innovation ecosystems. He said stronger collaboration would help ensure Africa plays a more influential role in shaping emerging technologies and global standards.
The minister also 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 while increasing the representation of African languages in artificial intelligence technologies.
Tijani further stated that Africa must continue investing in home-grown innovation and ensure that emerging technologies reflect the continent’s unique realities, cultures, and development priorities.
Africa Unites Ahead of Global Telecoms 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 reaching consensus on issues critical to Africa’s telecommunications future and its representation in global institutions.
According to Maida, Africa’s ability to protect and advance its interests on the international stage will be strengthened through a coordinated regional approach. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation and supporting initiatives aimed at amplifying Africa’s voice in global telecommunications policy discussions.
“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 decision is important as we move forward and secure our place in the telecommunications sector.”
He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and strengthening Africa’s voice in global telecommunications policy and governance, noting that closer collaboration among African administrations will help promote digital inclusion, accelerate infrastructure development, and position the continent to benefit from emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), John Omo, commended Nigeria and its partners for successfully hosting the conference. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a common African voice in advancing the continent’s telecommunications and digital development objectives.
Similarly, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, called for stronger African participation in shaping the global digital agenda. She encouraged the continent to become not only a consumer of technology but also a creator, innovator, and contributor to future technologies and international standards.
The conference also served as a platform for African candidates and member states seeking election or re-election to various positions within the ITU ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. Participants agreed that maintaining a united African position would be crucial in advancing the continent’s telecommunications, innovation, and digital development aspirations on the global stage.
Nigeria’s hosting of the conference further underscored its commitment to promoting regional cooperation, accelerating digital transformation, and supporting a stronger African presence in global telecommunications governance.
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