Nigeria Pushes for United African Digital Agenda, Launches Continental AI Initiative at ATU Conference

Nigeria has urged African countries to unite in shaping the continent’s digital future, calling for stronger collaboration on telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital infrastructure ahead of key global policy discussions.

The call was made at the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference in Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said Africa must adopt a common position ahead of the 2026 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar.

Welcoming delegates on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima described the conference as a crucial platform for Africa to forge consensus on issues that will shape the future of global telecommunications and digital development.

He noted that digital technology has become a principal driver of economic growth, public service delivery and youth empowerment, stressing that broadband infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite communications and secure digital networks are now as essential to national development as roads, railways and electricity.

According to him, no African country can achieve its digital ambitions alone, underscoring the need for deeper cooperation in expanding affordable broadband, strengthening cybersecurity, promoting responsible AI governance, harmonising standards, improving spectrum management and accelerating digital trade.

The Vice President represented by Sen. Ibrahim Hadeija Deputy Chief of Staff to the President said the African Telecommunications Union remains central to coordinating the continent’s priorities and amplifying Africa’s voice in global digital policy discussions.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, describing digital transformation as a catalyst for job creation, improved education and healthcare, financial inclusion, women’s empowerment and sustainable economic growth.

Shettima said the Tinubu administration remains committed to investments in broadband expansion, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, innovation, cybersecurity and digital public infrastructure, adding that Nigeria’s goal is to share its experiences and collaborate with other African countries to build a stronger digital economy.

He also urged African countries to present a united front in global technology governance, saying the continent must move from being a participant to becoming a key influencer in decisions shaping the future of digital technologies.

The Vice President called on member states to support African candidates seeking election into leadership positions within the ITU Council and expressed confidence that the forthcoming ATU leadership elections would strengthen the Union’s capacity to drive the continent’s digital transformation agenda.

Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, welcomed delegates to the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries and thanked President Tinubu for approving Nigeria’s hosting of the event.

Tijani commended the leadership of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), particularly Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the African Telecommunications Union Secretary-General, John Omo, and other regional partners for their commitment to Africa’s digital development.

He praised Algeria for its stewardship of the ATU over the past four years, noting that the Union’s membership has increased to 52 countries while implementation of its 2022–2027 Strategic and Financial Plan has strengthened partnerships in radiocommunications, standardisation, digital development and innovation.

The minister stressed that Africa must arrive at the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha united, technically prepared and ready to defend the continent’s interests in global digital governance.

He said Africa’s youthful population and rapidly growing digital ecosystem present a unique opportunity for the continent to become a global technology leader through sustained investment in connectivity, innovation, digital skills and trusted digital infrastructure.

As part of Nigeria’s contribution to Africa’s digital future, Tijani announced the launch of the Atlas Network, a continental platform that will support the development of African large language models and AI technologies tailored to the continent’s languages, cultures and knowledge systems.

He explained that the initiative expands Nigeria’s Atlas project into a pan-African collaboration involving governments, researchers, academia, innovators and technology partners.

The minister observed that although Africa is home to nearly one-tenth of the world’s languages, fewer than two per cent are adequately represented in modern AI systems, making the initiative critical to ensuring the continent’s cultural and linguistic diversity is reflected in future technologies.

He acknowledged technology partner Awari for supporting the project and invited all ATU member states to join the Atlas Network.

Earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, welcomed delegates and emphasised the need for African unity, particularly as member states prepare for elections into key positions within international telecommunications institutions.

Maida said a united Africa would be better positioned to protect its interests and secure a stronger voice in the global telecommunications sector.