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Nigeria to lead implementation of resolutions
African countries have adopted the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity, committing to expanding affordable internet access, strengthening cybersecurity, improving digital literacy, and promoting inclusive digital development across the continent.
The declaration was one of the major outcomes of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26), which concluded in Abuja on Friday after two days of deliberations by ministers, regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers from across Africa.
The conference, hosted by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, also saw Nigeria assume the chairmanship of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries for the next institutional cycle, positioning the country to coordinate the implementation of decisions reached at the summit.
Speaking at the closing ceremony after taking over the chairmanship on behalf of Nigeria, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, urged African countries to deepen collaboration to achieve a common digital future.
According to him, the resolutions adopted during the conference can only deliver tangible benefits if member states continue to work together.
Tijani stressed that sustained cooperation, built on trust and shared purpose, would be essential to translating the conference resolutions into improved digital opportunities for Africans.
“Every discussion, every decision, every compromise has reflected a shared commitment and belief that Africa’s digital future is stronger when we work together. The outcomes of this conference are a testament not only to the strength of our institutions but also to the collective determination of the people gathered here.
“The decisions we have taken over the past two days will only achieve their intended impact if we continue to work together with purpose, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every African benefits from the opportunities of the digital economy,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with other African countries to accelerate digital infrastructure deployment, strengthen digital skills, promote responsible innovation, and amplify Africa’s voice in global digital governance in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
As part of the conference outcomes, member states adopted the Abuja Declaration, which commits governments to promoting technology-neutral regulation, improving access to spectrum and fibre infrastructure, enhancing consumer protection and cybersecurity, and tackling challenges of digital affordability, literacy and inclusion, particularly for women, young people, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities.
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Delegates also elected Engr. Kezias Kazuba Mwale of Zambia as the next Secretary-General of the ATU after four rounds of voting. Mwale secured 21 of the 34 votes cast in the final round and will assume office on January 1, 2027, for a four-year term.
In his acceptance speech, the Secretary-General-elect pledged to provide inclusive leadership for the Union.
“I accept this mandate with a deep sense of responsibility, mindful that leadership is not a privilege to be enjoyed but a trust to be honoured and carefully guarded,” he said, while promising to work closely with all member states to strengthen the Union’s impact across Africa.
The outgoing Secretary-General, John Omo, described the successful conclusion of the conference as a significant milestone for the Union, noting that member states had provided a clear mandate for the organisation’s next phase.
“Member States have completed the work of the Conference. The Union now has a mandate for its next period and a firmer basis on which to deliver it,” Omo said.
He urged member states to sustain the momentum generated in Abuja, stressing that the work of implementing the conference resolutions now begins.
The conference also elected 25 member states to serve on the ATU Administrative Council for the next four years, providing regional representation to support the implementation of the Union’s strategic priorities.
Delegates commended Nigeria for successfully hosting the conference, describing the event as a platform that strengthened regional cooperation and reinforced Africa’s collective commitment to digital transformation.
The Conference of Plenipotentiaries, held every four years, is the highest decision-making body of the African Telecommunications Union. It reviews the Union’s activities, elects its leadership, approves strategic priorities and financial plans, and coordinates Africa’s common positions on telecommunications and digital policy ahead of global engagements, including the 2026 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) conference.
