The Federal Government has urged African countries to present a united front at the forthcoming International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar, saying a common position is crucial to protecting the continent’s interests in the global digital space.
Speaking on Thursday at the Special Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Administrative Council in Abuja, Ahmed Mohammed Alsukun, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said Africa would wield greater influence if it spoke with one voice.
He said the meeting provided a strategic opportunity for member states to harmonise their positions on issues that would shape the future of global telecommunications and digital development.
“In a united Africa, we have greater influence in international decision-making and will be better placed to advance and protect the interests of our continent,” he said.
Alsukun noted that while Africa had made remarkable progress in mobile connectivity, digital innovation and technology adoption, major challenges still persist.
According to him, nearly one billion Africans still do not use mobile internet despite living within broadband coverage, stressing that affordability, digital skills, reliable devices and local digital services remain major barriers.
He called on African countries to work together through the ATU to expand connectivity, strengthen cybersecurity, promote digital skills, protect data and create opportunities for millions of young people across the continent.
The Nigerian official also commended ATU Secretary-General, John Omo, and member states for their commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation.
Earlier, Omo said the meeting was convened to finalise Africa’s common position and candidates ahead of the ITU conference.
He described the gathering as a critical opportunity to shape Africa’s digital future and urged member states to use information and communication technology to drive economic resilience, regional integration and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Omo stressed that connectivity must go beyond infrastructure to deliver affordable digital services, improved digital skills, innovation and inclusiveness.
Also speaking, Chairperson of the ATU Administrative Council, Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, called for greater investment in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
She said stronger digital infrastructure would boost e-commerce, improve cross-border trade and strengthen Africa’s digital sovereignty.
Jordan-Dyani praised Nigeria for its progress in digital public service delivery, describing the country as one of Africa’s leading examples in modernising government services through technology.
She urged African countries to work together to ensure the continent’s voice is heard in global digital policy discussions and future technology governance.
