Nigeria Seeks Regional Collaboration to Boost Africa’s Digital Economy

Nigeria is spearheading a call for greater collaboration among African nations to accelerate the development of the continent's digital economy. Speaking at the 7th Special Session of the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria's Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, stressed the importance of regional cooperation.

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We believe that regional co-operation is essential if Africa is to build a strong, inclusive and innovative digital economy to empower our growing youth population.

Gagare, represented by Ahmed Alsukun, a director in his ministry, stated that a united approach is crucial for building a strong, inclusive, and innovative digital economy that can empower Africa's growing youth population. He highlighted key areas for joint effort, including expanding internet connectivity, enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting digital skills, strengthening cybersecurity, and ensuring data protection.

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Working together, we can expand connectivity, improve digital infrastructure, promote skills, strengthen cyber security, protect data and create opportunities for our people.

Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Chairperson of the ATU Administrative Council, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that building economic resilience must be a deliberate regional strategy leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT). She pointed to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), encompassing digital identity and electronic payment systems, as a catalyst for secure cross-border interactions.

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The DPI, which includes digital identity and electronic payment systems, acts as a catalyst to enable secure interactions across the region.

Jordan-Dyani commended Nigeria's efforts in digitizing public institutions and encouraged other African countries to follow suit. ATU Secretary-General John Omo added that the special session was a vital step in preparing for the upcoming conference, noting that the ATU's effectiveness depends on the legal adoption and implementation of proposals. He credited collective effort for the progress made and urged a unified push to conclude ongoing work.

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It is our collective commitment to continue to build our organisation and maximise its effectiveness to shape the digital future of Africa and drive our development.