By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The African Union Commission
(AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have
reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation
through coordinated efforts in artificial intelligence, data governance, digital
identity, cybersecurity and digital trade.
The discussions took place
during a bilateral engagement between the two institutions in Geneva,
Switzerland, with UNECA represented by Dr. Mactar Seck, Chief of the Technology
and Innovation Section, and Robert Tama Lisinge, Chief of the Energy,
Infrastructure and Services Section of the Private Sector Development and
Finance Division.
The engagement highlighted
the complementary roles of both institutions in shaping Africa’s digital
future, with the African Union Commission providing political leadership and
continental ownership, while UNECA supports countries through technical expertise,
policy development, skills advancement and innovation ecosystem building.
UNECA has played a key role
in supporting several major digital initiatives across the continent, including
providing analytical and coordination support for the Digital Transformation
Strategy for Africa. The organisation also collaborated with the AU Commission
on the AU Strategy for an Enabling Policy and Regulatory Environment for
Africa’s Digital Single Market, which was adopted by the AU Summit in February
2024.
The UN agency has further
contributed to continental digital frameworks, including the AU Data Policy
Framework, the AU Interoperability Framework for Digital ID, and the
Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy. UNECA also serves as an
implementing partner of the AU Technical Assistance Programme on Data
Governance, helping member states develop and strengthen national data
policies.
The Geneva discussions
focused on strengthening implementation efforts to ensure that continental
digital frameworks translate into practical national action without
fragmentation. Key areas of cooperation include artificial intelligence
development, responsible data governance, digital identity systems,
cybersecurity resilience and support for member states in implementing the
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) digital trade protocols.
