Africa’s Ministers of Telecommunications, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and the Digital Economy are set to gather in Abuja, Nigeria, from July 23 to 24, 2026, for the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Seventh Ordinary General Assembly Plenipotentiary Conference (CPL-26).
This significant conference will bring together regulators, government officials, industry leaders, academics, and development partners to engage in meaningful discussions and strategic decision-making that will influence Africa’s digital and telecommunications landscape over the next four years.
As the supreme decision-making body of the African Telecommunications Union, this conference comes at a pivotal time in Africa’s ongoing digital transformation journey.
Africa Unites for Digital Progress
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, views the conference as a vital opportunity to enhance regional collaboration, create a unified approach to emerging technologies, and foster an investment-friendly environment.
Under President Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria is positioned to cultivate an innovation-driven economy while promoting cooperation in digital infrastructure, technology governance, skills development, and overall investment across Africa.
Nigeria is privileged to host this important assembly during a crucial period for Africa’s digital future, according to Tijani. He emphasized the need to strengthen regional cooperation and establish common stances on emerging technologies. Attracting investments, nurturing digital talent, and fostering an environment conducive to meaningful connectivity are essential as nations accelerate their digital advancements.
This conference provides Nigeria with a vital platform to cement its status as a key player in Africa’s digital economy, contributing to policies that enhance the continent’s standing in the global technology and communications ecosystem.
John Omo, Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, highlighted the conference as a decisive opportunity for member states to bolster the Union’s capacity to support Africa’s digital aspirations.
Omo asserted that the outcomes of this gathering will largely dictate the ATU’s effectiveness in addressing national priorities, enhancing Africa’s participation in global discussions, and responding to rapid technological evolution. He emphasized the necessity of a clear vision for the Union that meets Africa’s needs in the coming four years.
Anticipated Outcomes of CPL-26
Network connectivity remains a significant challenge across various African nations, notably Nigeria, where inadequate internet services are a persistent issue. To address this, the conference will feature a ministerial dialogue titled ‘Achieving Meaningful Connectivity for Africa’, co-hosted by the ATU and GSMA.
Participants will explore practical solutions for expanding affordable, reliable, and high-quality connectivity continent-wide. Many attendees, however, hope the discussions will lead to tangible impacts rather than merely finish with another panel discussion.
Key topics, including digital infrastructure, meaningful connectivity, spectrum management, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital skills, and institutional governance, will take center stage during the conference proceedings.
The event will culminate in the adoption of the Abuja Declaration, which will serve as a foundational framework for governments, industry players, regulators, and development partners to advance Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
For Nigeria, hosting CPL-26 underscores its commitment to regional cooperation and strengthens its evolving role in crafting digital policies that attract investments and drive technology-led development throughout the continent.
