Nigeria has called for stronger unity among African nations to advance shared digital priorities and enhance the continent’s influence in global telecommunications governance ahead of key international elections.
Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida and the Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, NCC, Barr. Rimini Makama, congratulating Engr. Kezias Kazuba Mwale of Zambia (middle) as the newly elected Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union, ATU, at the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Abuja, Nigeria on 24th July 2026.
The call was made during the Seventh Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Abuja, where policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders gathered to harmonise Africa’s position on critical digital and telecommunications issues.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said Africa’s future competitiveness would depend on deeper regional cooperation and the effective use of digital technologies.
He noted that broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite communications and secure digital networks had become key drivers of economic growth, innovation and improved public service delivery.
Hadejia stressed that no African country could achieve its digital transformation goals in isolation, calling for greater collaboration in expanding connectivity, strengthening cybersecurity and promoting 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,” he said.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, also underscored the need for coordinated African participation in global digital policy and innovation ecosystems.
He highlighted the launch of the APLAS Network, which builds on Nigeria’s N-ATLAS initiative to accelerate the development of locally relevant large language models and increase the representation of African languages in artificial intelligence technologies.
According to Tijani, Africa must continue investing in indigenous innovation to ensure emerging technologies reflect the continent’s unique realities, cultures and development priorities.
Also speaking, 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 building consensus on issues central to Africa’s telecommunications future and representation in global institutions.
Maida said Africa’s ability to advance its interests internationally would be strengthened through a united and coordinated approach.
“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. Africa’s unity in decision-making is important as we move forward and secure our place in the telecommunications sector,” he said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation, digital inclusion, infrastructure development and a stronger African voice in global telecommunications governance.
The Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), John Omo, commended Nigeria for successfully hosting the conference and called for sustained continental cooperation to advance Africa’s digital development agenda.
Similarly, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, urged African countries to play a greater role in shaping the global digital agenda by becoming creators, innovators and contributors 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 leadership positions within the ITU ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.
Participants agreed that a united African position would be crucial in advancing the continent’s telecommunications, innovation and digital development aspirations.
Nigeria’s hosting of the conference reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, accelerating digital transformation and supporting Africa’s growing influence in global telecommunications governance.
