Ministers responsible for telecommunications, Information and Communication Technologies, ICT, and the digital economy across Africa will converge on Abuja from July 23 to 24 for the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union, ATU, Conference of Plenipotentiaries, CPL 26. The high level meeting will bring together regulators, government officials, industry leaders, academics and development partners to take key decisions expected to shape Africa’s digital and telecommunications agenda over the next four years.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the conference presents an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation, develop common positions on emerging technologies and create an enabling environment for investment, digital skills development and expanded connectivity. He noted that Nigeria is committed to driving innovation while deepening collaboration across the continent on digital infrastructure and technology governance.
ATU Secretary General, John Omo, described the gathering as a defining moment for Africa’s digital ambitions, saying the decisions reached in Abuja would determine the Union’s ability to support member states, respond to rapid technological change and strengthen Africa’s voice in global digital policy discussions. A ministerial dialogue on achieving meaningful connectivity across Africa is also expected to address challenges of affordable, reliable and high quality internet access.
The conference will focus on priorities including digital infrastructure, spectrum management, artificial intelligence, digital skills and institutional governance. It is expected to end with the adoption of the Abuja Declaration, a framework designed to guide governments, regulators, industry players and development partners in advancing Africa’s digital transformation while reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in the continent’s technology ecosystem.