African leaders have declared a bold ambition to move beyond simply adopting global technologies and instead play a central role in shaping the rules governing the world’s digital future.
The position emerged during the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries, held in Abuja, where ministers, regulators and technology leaders from across the continent called for greater African influence in global technology governance ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled for Doha next year.
For decades, Africa’s digital agenda focused largely on expanding internet access, building telecommunications infrastructure and attracting foreign investment. However, delegates argued that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite communications and cybersecurity have transformed technology into a strategic asset that affects national security, economic competitiveness and global influence.
Addressing delegates, Algeria’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, said Africa must stop being a passive consumer of technologies and standards developed elsewhere.
“Our continent must not remain a passive consumer of technologies, standards and platforms developed without sufficient consideration for African priorities. Africa must become a recognised architect of their design, governance and responsible use,” he said.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, echoed the sentiment, arguing that global digital policies have historically been developed without sufficient African representation.
“For too long, global technology policies have been developed without adequate representation of African priorities and perspectives. That must change,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation, urging African countries to invest in technical expertise and present a united voice during international negotiations.
“We must continue to invest in technical preparation, strengthen regional cooperation and speak with one voice where our interests align,” Tijani said.
According to data presented during the conference, mobile technologies generated approximately $220 billion for Africa’s economy in 2024, representing about 8 percent of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). That contribution is projected to rise to $270 billion within the next five years.
Delegates also highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, noting that more than 60 percent of the continent’s population is under the age of 25, making Africa the world’s youngest and fastest-growing digital market.
Despite the shared ambition, participants acknowledged significant challenges in presenting a unified continental position. Differences in national priorities, legal systems, privacy regulations, economic conditions and digital policies continue to complicate efforts to negotiate collectively on the global stage.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity, a framework that commits member states to expanding affordable internet access, strengthening cybersecurity, promoting digital inclusion and improving coordination on technology policy before next year’s ITU conference.
Nigeria also emerged with a stronger leadership role after assuming the chairmanship of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries for the next four years, while Zambia’s Kezias Kazuba Mwale was elected Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union.
Speaking at the closing session, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin expressed confidence that Africa’s role in the global digital economy is evolving beyond technology consumption.
“Africa will not simply participate in the digital future. Africa will help shape it—not only as a consumer of technology, but as a creator, an innovator, a standard setter and a trusted global partner.”
The conference signalled Africa’s growing determination to influence the policies, standards and governance frameworks that will define the next generation of global digital technologies.