By George Ozalla
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, and the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Barr. Rimini Makama, congratulate Engr. Kezias Kazuba Mwale of Zambia after his election as Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) during the Seventh Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Abuja on July 24, 2026.
Nigeria has called on African countries to strengthen regional cooperation and speak with one voice in advancing the continent’s telecommunications and digital development agenda ahead of crucial global elections in the sector.
The call 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 harmonise positions on key issues affecting the continent’s digital future and preparations for the 2026 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference.
Speaking on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said Africa’s ability to compete globally would depend largely on how effectively it embraces digital technologies and strengthens collaboration among member states.
He noted that broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite communications and secure digital networks have become major drivers of economic growth, innovation and efficient public service delivery.
According to him, no African country, regardless of its population or economic strength, can achieve the continent’s digital aspirations in isolation, stressing that coordinated efforts are essential to expand connectivity, improve 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.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, also stressed the need for Africa to participate more actively in shaping global digital policies and innovation ecosystems.
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.
Tijani said 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 an important platform for African countries to build consensus on issues affecting telecommunications development and the continent’s representation in global institutions.
He said Africa would be better positioned to advance its interests internationally through unity and coordinated action, adding that Nigeria remains committed to promoting regional cooperation and strengthening Africa’s voice in global 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. 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,” Maida said.
He added that closer collaboration among African administrations would accelerate digital inclusion, expand telecommunications infrastructure and enable the continent to maximise opportunities within the growing digital economy.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, John Omo, commended Nigeria for successfully hosting the conference and urged member states to sustain a common African position in pursuing the continent’s telecommunications and digital transformation objectives.
Similarly, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, encouraged African countries to play a greater role in shaping the global digital agenda, urging the continent to become not only a consumer of technology but also a creator, innovator and contributor to future global standards.
The conference also served as a platform for African candidates and member states seeking election or re-election into various ITU positions ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, with participants agreeing that a united African front remains critical to promoting the continent’s telecommunications, innovation and digital development interests.
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Nigeria’s hosting of the conference further demonstrated its commitment to deepening regional cooperation, driving digital transformation and strengthening Africa’s influence in global telecommunications governance.
