The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida (left); Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Barr. Rimini Makama (second left), congratulate Engr. Kezias Kazuba Mwale of Zambia (middle), following his election as Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and others, during the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Abuja, Nigeria, on July 24, 2026.
By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration among African nations to advance shared digital priorities and boost the continent’s influence in global telecommunications governance ahead of the 2026 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 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 stakeholders from across Africa gathered to deliberate on the continent’s digital future and prepare for key international telecommunications engagements.
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 competitiveness would increasingly depend on its ability to harness digital technologies and strengthen regional cooperation.
He noted that broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite communications and secure digital networks had become essential drivers of economic growth, innovation and efficient public service delivery. He stressed that African countries must work together 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.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, also underscored the importance of coordinated African participation in global digital policymaking and innovation ecosystems.
He highlighted the launch of the APLAS Network, an initiative that builds on Nigeria’s N-ATLAS programme to accelerate the development of locally relevant large language models while promoting the inclusion of African languages in artificial intelligence technologies.
According to the minister, Africa must continue investing in indigenous innovation to ensure 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 strategic platform for forging consensus on issues critical to Africa’s telecommunications future and representation in global institutions.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and supporting initiatives that amplify Africa’s voice in international telecommunications policy.
“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 decision-making is vital as we move forward and secure our place in the global telecommunications sector,” Maida said.
He added that closer collaboration among African administrations would enhance 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 stressed the need for Africa to maintain a unified voice in advancing the continent’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 landscape, encouraging the continent to become not only a consumer but also a creator and innovator of future technologies and international 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 presenting a united African front would be crucial to advancing the continent’s telecommunications, innovation and digital development aspirations.
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.
