Nigeria has called on African countries to align policies on spectrum management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other emerging digital issues, warning that closer regulatory cooperation is essential to building a stronger and more competitive digital economy across the continent.
Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union Conference Preparatory Committee in Abuja.
The meeting brings together regulators and government representatives from across Africa to develop the continent’s common position ahead of the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to hold in Doha, Qatar, later this year.
Africa, Maida said, can no longer address digital challenges through isolated national policies, stressing that greater regional collaboration is required to unlock the full potential of the continent’s digital economy.
“The emerging issues such as spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection and universal access require sustained collaboration beyond periodic conferences,” Maida said.
Nigeria on imperatives of African digital policy alignment
Spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection and universal access demand sustained cooperation among African administrations beyond periodic regional meetings, according to him.
“The emerging issues such as spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection and universal access require sustained collaboration beyond periodic conferences,” Maida said.
He noted that harmonised approaches would strengthen Africa’s voice in global digital governance, support interoperable digital infrastructure, improve cross-border connectivity and attract greater investment into the continent’s digital ecosystem.
The NCC chief said the preparatory committee provides African countries with an opportunity to build consensus on strategic telecommunications and digital economy issues before participating in the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, the highest decision-making meeting of the International Telecommunication Union.
“Our influence in international forums depends on the quality of our preparation, the coherence of our positions and the consistency with which member states advance shared priorities,” he said.
Maida explained that participants at the Abuja meeting would review the activities of the African Telecommunications Union from 2023 to 2026 while preparing recommendations, decisions and resolutions for consideration at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries. The committee will also fine-tune Africa’s common position ahead of PP-26, where key decisions shaping the future of global telecommunications and digital development are expected to be adopted.
Beyond policy coordination, he urged African countries to strengthen their participation in international telecommunications study groups, technical committees and regional preparatory meetings where global ICT standards and regulatory frameworks are developed.
Maida said Africa’s role in global digital policymaking should extend beyond voting at international conferences to active participation in the technical processes that influence future technologies and regulatory standards.
He argued that stronger African representation must be backed by technical expertise, evidence-based contributions and sustained engagement if the continent is to effectively shape global ICT policies.
Africa’s expanding digital economy, growing internet connectivity and youthful population make it increasingly important for the continent’s perspectives to be reflected in international discussions on digital transformation, the NCC boss also said.
As governments across Africa expand broadband infrastructure, promote digital public services and encourage innovation-driven economies, he said closer regulatory cooperation would help ensure that policy responses keep pace with technological developments while supporting inclusive digital growth.
Maida commended the ATU Secretariat, led by John Omo, for its efforts in strengthening Africa’s collective engagement within the ITU and other international telecommunications platforms.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the ATU through the sharing of regulatory expertise, peer learning and active participation in regional and international telecommunications initiatives aimed at advancing Africa’s digital agenda.
The outcomes of the Abuja preparatory meeting are expected to shape Africa’s negotiating position at PP-26, where member states will deliberate on policies influencing global telecommunications governance, spectrum management, emerging technologies and the future direction of the digital economy.
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