Nigeria has intensified calls for greater African unity as the continent prepares for critical global telecommunications elections, urging member states to present a united front in advancing shared digital priorities and expanding Africa’s influence in international decision-making.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1The appeal was made during the Seventh Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Abuja, where policymakers, regulators and industry leaders from across Africa convened to shape a common strategy for the continent’s digital transformation and future participation in global telecommunications governance.
In a statement by the Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha on Sunday, said the
representative of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, stressed that Africa’s economic competitiveness and technological relevance would increasingly depend on stronger regional cooperation and the strategic deployment of digital technologies.
He noted that as the global digital landscape evolves rapidly, African countries must close ranks, harmonise their priorities and speak with one voice to secure greater representation and influence in international telecommunications institutions. According to him, a united Africa is better positioned to shape global policies, attract investment, accelerate innovation and ensure that the continent’s interests are adequately reflected in the digital economy of the future.
The conference is expected to strengthen collaboration among African nations while laying the groundwork for coordinated positions ahead of major international telecommunications engagements, reinforcing the continent’s ambition to emerge as a formidable force in the global digital ecosystem.
While noting that broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite communications, and secure digital networks have become critical drivers of economic growth, innovation, and public service delivery, the Vice President stressed the need for coordinated action among African countries to expand connectivity, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote responsible innovation.
“For Africa, this presents both an enormous opportunity and a profound responsibility. No single nation, regardless of its size or resources, can fully realise Africa’s digital ambitions in isolation. Our future depends on collaboration.” He said.
Also speaking at the conference, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, underscored the importance of coordinated African participation in global digital policy and innovation ecosystems.
He highlighted the launch of the APLAS Network, which builds on Nigeria’s N-ATLAS initiative to accelerate the development of locally relevant large language models and promote greater representation of African languages in artificial intelligence technologies.
According to the Minister, Africa must continue to invest in home-grown innovation and ensure that emerging technologies reflect the continent’s unique realities, cultures and development priorities.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, described the conference as a critical platform for building consensus on issues central to Africa’s telecommunications future and representation in global institutions.
Dr. Maida said Africa’s ability to advance its interests internationally would be enhanced through a united and coordinated approach and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and supporting initiatives that strengthen Africa’s voice in global telecommunications policy discussions.
“This is a very important moment for us in Nigeria, especially because of the elections coming up in which we will be contesting for some positions. As I mentioned during the opening ceremony, Africa’s unity in taking decision is important as we move forward and secure our place in the telecommunications sector.” He said.
While reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and strengthening Africa’s voice in global telecommunications policy and governance, Maida said closer collaboration among African administrations will support efforts to promote digital inclusion, accelerate infrastructure development and position the continent to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital economy
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), John Omo, commended Nigeria and its partners for successfully hosting the conference and emphasized the importance of sustaining a common African voice in advancing the continent’s telecommunications and digital development objectives.
Similarly, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, called for stronger African participation in shaping the global digital agenda, encouraging the continent to become a creator, innovator and contributor to future technologies and standards.
The conference also provided a platform for African candidates and Member States seeking election or re-election to positions within the ITU ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. Participants agreed that a united African position remains essential to promoting the continent’s telecommunications, innovation and digital development aspirations.
Nigeria’s hosting of the conference underscored its commitment to advancing regional cooperation, driving digital transformation and supporting a stronger African presence in global telecommunications governance.
