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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged African nations to deepen collaboration and present a united front in global telecommunications and digital economy policy discussions, warning that the continent’s influence on the future of information and communications technology (ICT) will depend largely on its ability to speak with one voice.
The call was made by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during the opening of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee in Abuja, where delegates from across Africa gathered to harmonise the continent’s positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) scheduled to hold later this year in Doha, Qatar.
Addressing participants, Maida described the preparatory meeting as a strategic platform for forging consensus on issues that will determine the future of telecommunications and the digital economy across the globe.
“This meeting has been convened to prepare Africa’s common positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) scheduled to hold in Doha, Qatar, later this year,” he said.
He stressed that Africa’s ability to influence global ICT policies would depend on the quality of its preparations and the unity of its member states.
“Africa’s influence in international forums depends on the quality of its preparation, the coherence of its positions, and the consistency with which member states advance shared priorities,” Maida declared.
The NCC chief explained that the Conference Preparatory Committee serves as a critical mechanism for strengthening Africa’s participation in international telecommunications policy by enabling member states to harmonise their positions before major global engagements.
“The Conference Preparatory Committee plays a critical role in strengthening Africa’s participation in global telecommunications policy discussions by enabling administrations to harmonise perspectives and develop technically sound common positions ahead of major international meetings,” he said.
According to him, delegates at the Abuja meeting are expected to review the activities of the African Telecommunications Union between 2023 and 2026 while developing recommendations, decisions and resolutions for consideration during the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26).
The committee will also fine-tune Africa’s preparations for the ITU PP-26 conference, where crucial decisions that will shape the future direction of the global telecommunications industry are expected to be taken.
Highlighting the challenges facing the sector, Maida called for sustained and institutionalised regulatory cooperation among African countries beyond periodic meetings.
He identified key areas requiring closer continental collaboration, including spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection and universal access, noting that these emerging issues demand coordinated regulatory responses.
The NCC boss further urged African governments and regulators to strengthen their technical participation in international telecommunications processes, including technical committees, study groups and regional preparatory meetings where global ICT standards and regulatory frameworks are formulated.
According to him, Africa’s growing influence must be backed by expertise and continuous engagement.
“A stronger African voice in global decision-making must be supported by technical expertise, credible evidence and consistent engagement,” he emphasised.
Maida also noted that Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy, improving connectivity and youthful population have positioned the continent as an increasingly important stakeholder in global digital transformation.
He therefore insisted that African perspectives must be adequately reflected in international discussions that will define the future of the global ICT ecosystem.
The NCC chief commended the African Telecommunications Union Secretariat, led by Secretary-General Mr. John Omo, for its efforts in promoting a coordinated African voice within the ITU and other international platforms.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing continental cooperation through the sharing of regulatory expertise, peer learning and active participation in regional and global telecommunications initiatives.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the Abuja meeting, Maida said he expected the session to strengthen Africa’s collective influence ahead of the Doha conference.
“We hope this session will result in greater African alignment ahead of PP-26, stronger mechanisms for inter-conference collaboration and renewed commitment to sustained technical participation in international telecommunications policy processes,” he stated.
The conference is expected to produce a unified African position that will guide the continent’s participation at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, where member states will negotiate critical policies and strategic decisions shaping the future of global telecommunications and the digital economy.
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