ATU seeks united African position on digital economy, emerging technologies

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has outlined strategies to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation, deepen regional cooperation and attract greater investment in emerging technologies as the continent positions itself for a stronger voice in global digital policy.

The resolutions emerged at the Special Session of the ATU Administrative Council, which opened in Abuja ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to hold in Doha, Qatar, in 2026.

The meeting is expected to harmonise Africa’s position on key telecommunications, digital economy and emerging technology issues before the global conference.

Speaking at the opening session, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said Africa had recorded significant progress in information and communication technology through increased mobile connectivity, rapid digital innovation and wider adoption of technology in public service delivery.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Nadungu Gagare, the minister, however, noted that major challenges remain, particularly in expanding affordable internet access and bridging the continent’s digital divide.

He said nearly one billion Africans still do not use mobile internet despite living in areas already covered by broadband networks.

“Recent evidence gives this responsibility greater urgency. Almost one billion people in Africa do not use mobile internet despite living within broadband coverage. Infrastructure expansion must therefore be matched by affordability, suitable devices, digital skills, trust and locally relevant digital services,” he said.

Tijani stressed that regional collaboration remains critical to building a resilient and inclusive digital economy capable of creating jobs and driving sustainable development.

According to him, Nigeria remains committed to the vision and objectives of the ATU through policies aimed at expanding broadband access, strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, enhancing cybersecurity, protecting data and creating opportunities for young people across the continent.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, John Omo, said the meeting provides member states and industry stakeholders an opportunity to develop coordinated proposals that will shape Africa’s collective position on global telecommunications and digital policy.

He expressed confidence that the deliberations would strengthen cooperation among African countries and enhance the continent’s influence in international decision-making on digital technologies.

In her remarks, Chairperson of the ATU Administrative Council, Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, called for stronger regional integration to unlock Africa’s digital potential and support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union Agenda 2063.

She said Africa must treat digital transformation as an economic priority rather than a future aspiration.

“This reminds us that building our economic resilience cannot be viewed as a future aspiration; it must become a deliberate regional strategy. We must redouble our efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and integration,” she said.

Jordan-Dyani urged the ATU to work closely with the African Union, the ITU, the United Nations, development finance institutions, the private sector, academia and civil society to expand affordable digital access across the continent.

She also emphasised the need to strengthen digital skills, promote innovation and create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), describing them as key drivers of employment, competitiveness and economic growth.

On emerging technologies, she called for coordinated policies on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital innovations, stressing the need for regulatory frameworks that encourage investment, foster public trust and bridge Africa’s digital divide.