Africa’s ICT Ministers Open Conference in Abuja to Decide Telecommunications Union’s Future
Abuja, Nigeria – 23 July 2026: African Ministers responsible for telecommunications, information and communication technologies and the digital economy have opened the Seventh Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Conference, known as CPL-26, is taking place today and tomorrow, 23–24 July 2026. It brings governments together to decide how the African Telecommunications Union will be governed, financed and led during its next four-year cycle, and how its work will respond to the technological and connectivity priorities of African countries. The Conference will also elect the Secretary General and members of the ATU Administrative Council for the next cycle.
Ministers will further consider Africa’s preparations for the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunication Union, where countries will decide the future direction of the global telecommunications body. The Abuja discussions are expected to strengthen the common African positions to be presented in Doha later this year when the ITU meeting begins.
ATU, the African Union’s specialised agency for ICTs, convenes the Conference of Plenipotentiaries every four years as its highest decision-making forum.
In a message delivered on his behalf by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, said Africa’s digital ambitions depended on countries working together.
“When Africa speaks with one voice, our influence is amplified, our priorities receive greater attention, and our collective interests are better protected,” the Vice President said.
Welcoming delegates on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, urged delegates to strengthen cooperation and advance a shared digital vision.
“At a time when digital technologies are reshaping economies and societies at an unprecedented pace, our responsibility to work together has never been greater. Today, we gather to strengthen the partnerships and shared resolve that will ensure Africa continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of telecommunications and the digital economy,” he said.
The Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said Africa could play a more influential role in the development, governance and standardisation of digital technologies.
“Africa will not simply participate in the digital future. Africa will help shape it,” she said. “Not only as a consumer of technology, but as a creator, an innovator, a standard setter, and a trusted global partner.”
Speaking on behalf of the African Union Commission, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Ms Lerato Mataboge, placed the Conference within the African Union’s ambition to accelerate digital transformation, as well as Agenda 2063 – the continent’s strategic master plan for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse.
“The African Union has made a choice. We are determined to lead and shape our destiny,” she said.
The Commissioner said the second ten-year implementation phase of Agenda 2063 should advance an African digital single market by 2030, strengthen digital public infrastructure, improve connectivity and support greater African capacity in artificial intelligence, digital governance and policy.
Representing the outgoing Algerian chair of the CPL and Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Hon. Sid Ali Zerrouki, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Hocine Mezoued, said the decisions taken in Abuja would extend beyond the internal administration of the Union.
He said the Conference must strengthen ATU’s governance and financial sustainability, approve its next strategic direction and prepare it to represent African interests in artificial intelligence, satellite communications, cybersecurity, spectrum management and digital platforms.
“Africa must arrive at the ITU Plenipotentiaries Conference in Doha united, prepared, and speaking with one coherent voice,” he said.
ATU Secretary General John Omo said the Union had continued to develop cooperation with international institutions and private-sector partners to strengthen its programmes. He acknowledged GSMA, Qualcomm, ICANN and other industry players that had partnered with ATU in support of CPL-26 and related activities held in Abuja.
“The Union has been built through the accumulated commitment of its membership, and we must protect it and guard the trust that comes with that commitment,” he said, adding that the partnerships developed around CPL-26 had complemented Member State support and helped the Union extend its work.
The two-day Conference is expected to provide ATU with its strategic, institutional and financial direction for the next four years and a common political reference for cooperation after Abuja.
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