Africa must shape global AI standards, says NCC boss

By Abubakar Yunus

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, on Monday urged African countries to take a leading role in shaping global standards on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, spectrum management and digital governance rather than merely adopting policies developed elsewhere.

Speaking at the opening of the African Telecommunications Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries Preparatory Committee in Abuja, Maida said Africa’s growing digital economy and youthful population make it imperative for the continent to influence international digital policy.

He said Africa’s voice must be reflected from the beginning of global policy discussions.

“Our objective as Africa is not to resist global standards. It is to help shape standards that are globally sound and sufficiently informed by African realities,” Maida said.

He noted that the continent’s rapid mobile adoption, digital financial services and expanding internet population mean that decisions on artificial intelligence, connectivity, spectrum and digital identity would significantly affect Africa.

“African perspectives should therefore not be treated as an afterthought. They should form part of the discussion from the outset,” he added.

Maida said the preparatory committee would review the ATU’s activities between 2023 and 2026 and develop recommendations for the 2026 Conference of Plenipotentiaries while harmonising Africa’s position ahead of the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference.

He stressed that Africa’s influence in international forums would depend on quality preparation, coherent positions and sustained collaboration among member states.

“Africa must prepare together, work together between meetings and arrive at global forums with positions that are both coherent and technically compelling,” he said.

The NCC boss identified spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, data protection and universal connectivity as areas requiring stronger regulatory cooperation across the continent.

He proposed structured coordination through national focal points, regular technical engagements and shared evidence to build common African positions.

“No administration can address these challenges effectively in isolation. Our regulatory cooperation must therefore become more continuous, more technical and more institutionalised,” Maida stated.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, who represented the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the ATU and promoting regional digital integration.

He expressed confidence that the committee’s recommendations would strengthen collaboration among African countries and support inclusive digital development across the continent.

Meanwhile, the Director of Internal Audit at the NCC, Stella Erebor, was elected Chairperson of the ATU Conference Preparatory Committee.

Speaking after her election, Erebor said the committee would prepare reports, resolutions and other documents for consideration at the Conference of Plenipotentiaries later in the week.

“It is very important when Africa tables all their issues as one on the international front. It gets more traction than when each country is fighting their own battles in silos,” she said.

“The essence of this conference is to bring together Africa so that Africa’s voice is heard and respected.”