Nigeria is hosting telecommunications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministers from across Africa this week for the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26), aimed at advancing the continent’s digital development agenda.
The ministerial summit, scheduled for 23–24 July 2026 in Abuja, is the highest decision-making body of the ATU. It will bring together senior government officials, regulators, industry leaders and development partners from the Union’s 52 Member States to shape Africa’s telecommunications and digital agenda for the next four years.
Delegates are expected to adopt the Union’s strategic direction, approve its 2027–2031 budget and work programme, elect a new Secretary-General, and determine the composition of the Administrative Council. The conference will also deliberate on Africa’s common positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference later this year in Doha, Qatar.
Welcoming delegates to Nigeria, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, ,Dr Bosun Tijani, described the conference as a landmark event for the continent’s digital future.
“Nigeria is honoured to host the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries at a defining moment for Africa’s digital future. As countries across the continent accelerate digital transformation, it is increasingly important to strengthen regional cooperation, develop common positions on emerging technologies, and create enabling environments that attract investment, build digital talent and expand meaningful connectivity.
“Our role as host reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to building an innovation-driven economy while strengthening African cooperation on digital infrastructure, technology governance, skills development and investment,” he said.
One of the highlights of the conference will be the Ministerial Dialogue on “Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity”, jointly organised by the ATU and the GSMA. The session will examine practical strategies for expanding affordable, reliable and high-quality connectivity across Africa, with discussions focusing on infrastructure investment, service quality, affordability and ensuring that digital access translates into tangible economic and social benefits for citizens.
Speaking ahead of the conference, the Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, John Omo, described the meeting as a crucial opportunity for Member States to strengthen the Union’s ability to drive Africa’s digital ambitions.
“What I believe this Conference must deliver is a Union capable of meeting the expectations Member States have placed upon it. The decisions taken in Abuja will determine much of the ATU’s ability to support national priorities, sustain Africa’s participation in global forums, and respond credibly to rapid technological change. We cannot afford to make these decisions without a clear vision of the Union Africa will need over the next four years,” he said.
The conference is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Abuja Declaration, which will provide governments, regulators, industry stakeholders, and development partners with a common framework for advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
Hosting CPL-26 further reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to regional collaboration and highlights the country’s growing leadership in shaping digital policy, attracting investment and promoting technology-driven development across Africa.
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