Nigeria Takes Over ATU Chairmanship as African States Adopt Abuja Digital Declaration
Nigeria has assumed the chairmanship of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries, as African countries adopted the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa at the end of the Union’s 7th Ordinary Session in Abuja.
The declaration calls on ATU Member States to expand affordable and meaningful digital access across the continent. It focuses on improving spectrum and fibre infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity and consumer protection, and increasing digital inclusion for women, young people, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
Nigeria Begins ATU Chairmanship With Focus on Digital Inclusion
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, assumed the chairmanship at the closing ceremony, taking over from Algeria.
Tijani called for stronger cooperation among African countries to ensure that the resolutions adopted at the conference lead to real progress.
He said the decisions reached during the two-day meeting would require continued collaboration, mutual trust and a shared commitment from Member States to ensure that all Africans can benefit from the digital economy.
The minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure, improving digital skills, promoting responsible innovation and strengthening Africa’s role in global digital governance.
ATU Elects New Secretary-General
The conference also elected Zambia’s Engr Kezias Kazuba Mwale as the next ATU Secretary-General. He will serve a four-year term beginning on 1 January 2027.
Delegates also appointed 25 Member States to the ATU Administrative Council.
The newly adopted Abuja Declaration places meaningful connectivity at the centre of Africa’s digital transformation agenda. Its focus on infrastructure, affordability, security and inclusion reflects the need to ensure that more Africans can access and benefit from digital services.
Delegates commended Nigeria for successfully hosting the conference. They described the meeting as an important step towards strengthening cooperation among African countries and advancing the continent’s digital transformation.
