Africa must speak with one voice on digital, telecoms policies — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a unified African voice in global discussions on digital and telecommunications policies, stressing that no single nation can achieve the continent's digital ambitions alone. Speaking at the African Telecommunications Union conference in Abuja, Shettima, represented by Ibrahim Hadejia, emphasized that collaboration is essential to amplify Africa's influence and protect its collective interests.

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No single nation, regardless of its size or resources, can fully realise Africa’s digital ambitions in isolation. Our future depends on collaboration.

Shettima urged African countries to coordinate their priorities ahead of the 2026 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference and support African candidates for ITU positions. He highlighted the need for joint efforts to expand affordable internet access, strengthen cybersecurity, improve spectrum management, harmonize standards, and develop responsible artificial intelligence governance. Digital technologies, he noted, are as vital for development as traditional infrastructure like roads and power.

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We must work together to expand affordable connectivity, strengthen cybersecurity, promote responsible AI governance, harmonise standards, improve spectrum management and accelerate digital trade across our continent.

"For too long, global technology policies have often been developed without adequate representation of African priorities and perspectives. That must change," Shettima stated. He linked Africa's digital transformation to the AU's Agenda 2063 and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, emphasizing that technology must translate into tangible benefits like jobs, better education, and improved healthcare for the continent's youth.

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For too long, global technology policies have often been developed without adequate representation of African priorities and perspectives. That must change.