From Abuja, ATU makes Ubuntu call, by Okoh Aihe

African leaders and industry stakeholders gathered in Abuja for the Seventh Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference, issuing a clear call for enhanced collaboration and strengthened relationships. The central message from Nigeria, the host nation, was the urgent need for greater unity among African countries to advance shared priorities and bolster the continent's influence in global decision-making, particularly as Africa seeks a more prominent voice in shaping the future of telecommunications and digital innovation. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin supported these aspirations, urging stronger African participation in the global digital agenda and encouraging the continent to become a key creator and contributor to future technologies. The conference stressed that in an era where xenophobia threatens relationships, no single nation can achieve digital success alone. Nigerian Vice President Senator Ibrahim Shettima articulated this sentiment, stating, "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." Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, echoed this commitment, reaffirming Nigeria's dedication to working with the ATU to promote regional digital integration and sustainable development. The ATU conference serves as a prelude to the global Plenipotentiary meeting in Doha, aiming for African nations to establish common positions on digital infrastructure development and technological advancements that will benefit the continent long-term. Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), noted the challenges regulators face operating in diverse market environments during a roundtable on building Africa's network intelligence ecosystem.

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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.