Nigeria to Welcome African ICT Ministers for Major Telecommunications and Digital Economy Summit
Nigeria is preparing to host government ministers, telecommunications regulators, technology leaders, and digital economy stakeholders from across Africa as Abuja welcomes the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26) on July 23–24, 2026.
Organised by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the high-level conference will serve as the African Telecommunications Union’s highest policy-making meeting. Delegates from 52 member states are expected to discuss strategies that will shape Africa’s digital transformation and telecommunications agenda for the next four years.
The conference comes at a crucial time as African countries intensify efforts to expand digital infrastructure, improve internet connectivity, strengthen artificial intelligence governance, enhance digital skills, and accelerate technology-driven economic growth.
Beyond ministerial discussions, participants will review the Union’s strategic priorities for the 2027–2031 period, approve its work programme and budget, elect a new Secretary-General, and determine the composition of the Administrative Council. The meeting will also coordinate Africa’s common positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to take place later this year in Doha, Qatar.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said hosting the conference reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s digital transformation and demonstrates the country’s commitment to regional cooperation in technology, innovation, digital infrastructure, and investment.
According to the minister, stronger collaboration among African nations is essential for developing common approaches to emerging technologies, attracting investment, expanding meaningful internet access, and building the digital workforce needed to support the continent’s future economy.
One of the major highlights of the event will be a ministerial dialogue on “Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity,” jointly organised by the African Telecommunications Union and the GSMA. The session will examine practical solutions for expanding affordable, reliable, and high-quality internet access while ensuring digital connectivity translates into real economic and social opportunities for citizens across Africa.
The Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, John Omo, described the conference as a defining opportunity for member states to strengthen the organisation and equip it to respond effectively to rapid technological change. He noted that decisions taken in Abuja will influence the Union’s ability to support national digital priorities and represent Africa more effectively in global technology discussions.
The conference is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Abuja Declaration, a framework that will guide cooperation among African governments, regulators, industry leaders, and development partners in advancing the continent’s digital transformation agenda.
Hosting CPL-26 further reinforces Nigeria’s ambition to position itself as a leading digital economy in Africa while strengthening regional collaboration, attracting technology investment, and supporting innovation-led economic development across the continent.
