Posted by Chinenye on Fri 17th Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
African telecom leaders have gathered in Nigeria for a major push to expand digital access across the continent.
(NNCC. Photo by Daily Post)
Delegates from the African Telecommunication Union across the continent are currently being hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Declaring the event open on behalf of the Federal Government, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, represented by Mr Ahmed Mohammed Alsukun, noted that nearly one billion Africans do not use mobile internet despite living within areas covered by broadband, stressing that infrastructure expansion must be matched by affordability, suitable devices, digital skills, trust and local services, adding that these challenges also present opportunities for growth.
Other speakers at the event, including ATU Secretary General John Omo and Chairperson of the Administrative Council, Ms Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, all emphasised the need to bridge Africa's internet usage gap.
Alsukun explained that working together through the ATU would enable African countries to develop shared solutions, exchange experiences, attract investment and ensure that no country is left behind in digital development, reaffirming Nigeria's commitment to playing an active role within the union.
He said Nigeria values the strong collaboration among member states and remains committed to supporting initiatives around innovation, digital inclusion, spectrum management, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and policy harmonisation across the continent.
He further noted that as preparations continue for the International Telecommunication Union Presidential Conference 2026 in Doha, the meeting offers Africa an opportunity to strengthen unity and speak with one voice on issues shaping the future of global telecommunications and digital development, stressing that a common African position must be clearly reflected and consistently backed by the continent's delegation, as unity would give Africa greater influence in international decision-making and better position it to protect its interests.
For his part, Omo noted that the conference can only exercise its authority effectively when proposals brought before it are legally sound, credible, procedurally proper and backed by an honest account of implementation.
He explained that much of the work before the council reflects four years of implementation, oversight and consultation among members, shaped by the council's guidance and the work carried out through the union's development, radiocommunication and standardisation sectors, adding that the session's task is to review that work, identify areas requiring further attention, and present recommendations responsive to the union's needs.
In her remarks, Jordan-Dyani, who is also Director-General of South Africa's Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, stressed the need for greater regional collaboration to address mounting economic, environmental and technological challenges, noting that climate-related disasters, rapid technological change and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect trade, investment and economic development across the continent.
She argued that strengthening the ATU would support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, promote regional integration and advance the goals of the African Union's Agenda 2063, calling on governments, development partners, the private sector, academia and civil society to work together in shaping Africa's digital future.