By Mu'azu Hassan
@ katsina times
Nigeria has called for stronger unity among African countries to promote shared priorities and enhance the continent's influence in global telecommunications and digital policy ahead of key international elections.
The appeal was made during the Seventh Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Abuja, where policymakers, regulators and industry leaders from across Africa gathered to develop a common strategy for the continent's digital future.
Representing Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said Africa's future competitiveness would depend largely on its ability to harness digital technologies and strengthen regional cooperation.
He noted that broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, satellite communications and secure digital networks had become critical drivers of economic growth, innovation and efficient public service delivery. He stressed that African nations must work together to expand connectivity, strengthen cybersecurity and promote responsible technological 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, emphasised the need for coordinated African participation in global digital policy and innovation.
He highlighted the launch of the APLAS Network, an initiative that builds on Nigeria's N-ATLAS project to accelerate the development of locally relevant large language models while increasing the representation of African languages in artificial intelligence technologies.
According to Tijani, Africa must continue investing in indigenous innovation to ensure that emerging technologies reflect the continent's 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 vital platform for forging consensus on issues affecting Africa's telecommunications future and its representation in global institutions.
He said Africa would be better positioned to advance its interests internationally through a united and coordinated approach, reaffirming Nigeria's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and supporting initiatives aimed at amplifying Africa's voice in global telecommunications policy.
Maida also drew attention to the forthcoming elections into key positions within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), stressing the importance of African solidarity.
"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. Africa's unity in taking decisions is important as we move forward and secure our place in the telecommunications sector," he said.
He added that stronger collaboration among African administrations would promote digital inclusion, accelerate infrastructure development and position the continent to benefit from emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
The Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, John Omo, commended Nigeria and its partners for successfully hosting the conference and called for sustained cooperation to advance Africa's telecommunications and digital development agenda.
Similarly, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, urged African countries to play a more active role in shaping the global digital agenda, encouraging the continent to become a creator, innovator and contributor to future technologies and international standards.
The conference also served as 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 advancing the continent's telecommunications, innovation and digital development objectives.
Nigeria's hosting of the conference reaffirmed its commitment to promoting regional cooperation, accelerating digital transformation and strengthening Africa's influence in global telecommunications governance.
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