Nigeria, African nations adopt Abuja digital connectivity declaration

By Abubakar Yunusa

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to working with African countries to expand digital infrastructure, strengthen digital skills and promote responsible innovation as member states of the African Telecommunications Union adopted the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa.

The declaration was adopted at the end of the union’s two-day conference in Abuja.

Delegates also approved strategic and governance decisions expected to shape the organisation’s direction over the next four years.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the agreements reached at the conference would only succeed if member states sustained collaboration to deepen Africa’s digital transformation.

“Every discussion, every decision, every compromise has reflected a shared commitment and belief that Africa’s digital future is stronger when we work together,” Tijani said.

He added, “The decisions we have taken over the past two days will only achieve their intended impact if we continue to work together with purpose, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every African benefits from the opportunities of the digital economy.”

The minister thanked member states, delegates, development partners and the ATU secretariat for what he described as the spirit of cooperation that defined the conference.

According to him, Nigeria will continue to partner with African countries to expand digital infrastructure, strengthen digital skills, encourage responsible innovation and amplify Africa’s voice in global digital governance.

The conference also elected Kezias Kazuba Mwale of Zambia as the next Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union after four rounds of voting.

Mwale secured 21 of the 34 votes cast in the final round and will assume office on January 1, 2027, for a four-year term.

Accepting his election, Mwale pledged to strengthen the union’s impact across the continent.

“I accept this mandate with a deep sense of responsibility, mindful that leadership is not a privilege to be enjoyed, but a trust to be honoured and carefully guarded,” he said.

Under the Abuja Declaration, member states committed to expanding broadband access through technology-neutral regulation, improving access to spectrum and fibre infrastructure, strengthening consumer protection and cybersecurity, and addressing digital affordability, literacy and inclusion, especially for women, young people, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.

Delegates also elected 25 member states to serve on the ATU Administrative Council for the next four-year cycle.

Outgoing Secretary-General John Omo said the conference had given the organisation a renewed mandate to implement its strategic priorities.

“Member states have completed the work of the conference and the Union now has a mandate for its next period and a firmer basis on which to deliver it,” Omo said.