By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has intensified preparations for its
upcoming Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26), holding a series of
high-level engagements with African ministers and stakeholders during the AI
for Good Global Summit in Geneva.
ATU
Secretary General John Omo used the global gathering to engage government
leaders on ministerial participation, institutional support and preparations
for the Conference of Plenipotentiaries scheduled to take place in Abuja,
Nigeria, on 23 and 24 July 2026.
During
the engagements, Omo met with Mozambique’s Minister of Communications and
Digital Transformation, Hon. Americo Muchanga, and Tunisia’s Minister of
Communication Technologies, Hon. Sofiene Hemissi, who both expressed their
intention to participate in CPL-26.
African
Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, also
confirmed her participation in the conference.
The
ATU Secretary General held discussions with Nigeria’s Minister of
Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Dr. Bosun Tijani, and
acknowledged ongoing efforts by Nigeria to ensure a successful and impactful
conference.
Omo
also engaged Malawi’s Minister of Information, Hon. Dr. Shadrick Namalomba, on
Malawi’s participation in the Abuja conference and the country’s continued
contribution to ATU initiatives.
Further
discussions were held with Botswana’s Minister of Communications and
Innovation, Hon. David Tshere, focusing on Botswana’s high-level participation
and continued engagement in ATU processes.
The
Secretary General also met Algeria’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications,
Hon. Sid Ali Zerrouki, who currently serves as Chair of the ATU Conference of
Plenipotentiaries, recognizing his leadership and contribution to the Union’s
activities.
Omo
further held discussions with Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition
and Technological Innovation, Hon. Djibril Ouattara, expressing ATU’s
appreciation for the country’s commitment to host the final African Preparatory
Meeting for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 and provide national
experts to support ATU meetings.
The
Conference of Plenipotentiaries remains one of ATU’s key decision-making
platforms, bringing together representatives from member states to shape the
future direction of telecommunications and digital development across Africa.
ATU
said it looks forward to welcoming ministers, government representatives and
delegations from across its member states to Abuja for CPL-26 as the Union
continues efforts to strengthen Africa’s digital cooperation and
telecommunications agenda.
