NCC seeks stronger African collaboration to boost continent’s voice in global telecom policy

L- R: Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Abraham Oshadami; Director General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa, Ms Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida; Secretary General, African Telecommunications Union (ATU), Mr. John Omo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, during the Opening ceremony of the 7th Ordinary Session of Plenipotentiaries Nigeria at the International Conference Centre, Abuja

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for stronger and more sustained collaboration among African countries to enhance the continent’s influence in shaping global telecommunications policies and the emerging digital economy.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call in Abuja while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference Preparatory Committee.

The meeting, which brought together delegates and telecommunications stakeholders from across Africa, is focused on developing common African positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, later this year.

According to the Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha,
Maida described the gathering as a significant platform for African countries to build consensus and harmonise their positions on critical issues that will shape the future of telecommunications and the global digital economy.

According to him, the strength of Africa’s influence at international forums will depend largely on the quality of its preparations, the coherence of its positions and the commitment of member states to advancing common continental priorities.

He said the ATU Conference Preparatory Committee remained critical to strengthening Africa’s participation in international telecommunications policy discussions by providing an avenue for member administrations to harmonise their perspectives and develop technically sound common positions ahead of major global meetings.

The NCC boss stressed that Africa could only secure a stronger voice in global telecommunications decision-making through greater unity, technical preparedness and consistent engagement by its member states.

He explained that the committee would review the activities of the African Telecommunications Union between 2023 and 2026 and develop recommendations, decisions and resolutions for consideration at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26).

The committee is also expected to examine Africa’s preparations for the forthcoming ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, where important decisions that could influence the future direction of the global telecommunications sector are expected to be taken.

Maida used the occasion to call for deeper and more institutionalised regulatory cooperation among African telecommunications administrations, stressing that the rapidly evolving nature of the digital ecosystem requires collaboration that goes beyond periodic meetings and conferences.

He identified spectrum harmonisation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection and universal access as some of the emerging areas requiring continuous cooperation among African regulators and policymakers.

According to him, the challenges and opportunities presented by these issues are increasingly interconnected, making it necessary for African countries to develop coordinated approaches and share expertise in order to effectively respond to the changing digital environment.

He also advocated stronger African participation in technical processes at the international level, including ITU study groups, technical committees and regional preparatory meetings where global standards, policies and regulatory frameworks are developed.

The NCC chief executive noted that a stronger African voice in international telecommunications policy discussions must be backed by technical expertise, credible data and evidence-based contributions.

He said African countries should not limit their participation in global telecommunications discussions to major conferences but should actively engage throughout the policy development process to ensure that the continent’s interests and perspectives are adequately represented.

Maida further underscored the importance of reflecting African realities and priorities in global conversations on digital transformation.

He noted that Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy, increasing internet connectivity and large youthful population have positioned the continent as an important stakeholder in the future of the global information and communications technology ecosystem.

The NCC chief executive maintained that Africa’s demographic advantage and growing digital market presented significant opportunities for innovation, investment and economic development, but added that these opportunities could only be fully harnessed through effective policies, stronger regulatory coordination and meaningful participation in global decision-making.

While acknowledging the contributions of the ATU Secretariat under the leadership of its Secretary-General, Mr. John Omo, Maida commended the Union for its efforts towards promoting a more coordinated African voice within the ITU and other international platforms.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the ATU and strengthening continental cooperation through the exchange of regulatory expertise, peer learning and active participation in regional and international telecommunications initiatives.

The NCC boss expressed optimism that the preparatory session would produce stronger alignment among African countries ahead of the ITU PP-26 and establish more effective mechanisms for collaboration between major international conferences.

He also expressed the hope that the meeting would renew the commitment of African administrations to sustained technical participation in international telecommunications policy processes.

Maida said the outcome of the preparatory engagement would be important in ensuring that African countries approach the forthcoming global telecommunications conference with clearly defined priorities and a unified position capable of advancing the continent’s interests.

The 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference Preparatory Committee is therefore expected to play a significant role in consolidating Africa’s common position on critical telecommunications and digital policy issues while strengthening the continent’s collective engagement with the global ICT community.