The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged African countries to adopt a unified position on telecommunications and digital economy issues ahead of a global conference where key policies shaping the future of the sector will be decided.
The call was made by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, at the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee in Abuja.
The meeting is aimed at developing Africa’s common positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), scheduled to hold in Doha, Qatar, where key decisions on the future of global telecommunications policy will be taken.
Addressing delegates from across the continent, Maida said Africa’s influence in international policy discussions would depend on the quality of its preparation, the coherence of its positions and the consistency with which member states advance shared priorities.
He stressed that deeper and more institutionalised cooperation among African telecommunications regulators had become increasingly important as the continent responds to emerging issues such as spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection and universal access.
Maida also urged African countries to strengthen their participation in ITU study groups, technical committees and regional preparatory meetings where international telecommunications standards and policy frameworks are developed.
According to him, the Conference Preparatory Committee serves as a critical platform for harmonising African perspectives and developing technically sound common positions ahead of major international meetings.
The committee will review the activities of the ATU between 2023 and 2026 while preparing recommendations, decisions and resolutions for consideration at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26). It will also coordinate Africa’s preparations for the ITU PP-26 conference.
According to the NCC chief executive, Africa’s expanding digital economy, growing internet connectivity and youthful population make it imperative for the continent’s priorities to be adequately reflected in global discussions on digital transformation.
Maida commended the ATU Secretariat, led by Secretary-General John Omo, for promoting a more coordinated African voice within the ITU and other international platforms.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the ATU through the sharing of regulatory expertise, peer learning and active participation in regional and global telecommunications initiatives.
He said stronger coordination would help ensure Africa speaks with one voice at PP-26 and plays a greater role in shaping the international policies that will guide the future of telecommunications and the digital economy.
