By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
African ministers and the
African Telecommunications Union (ATU) have strengthened coordination on the
continent’s common position ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference,
with discussions focusing on Africa’s priorities and representation in global
telecommunications governance.
The consultation was held on
the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. It was
convened by the African Union Commission and the Chair of the Bureau of the
Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT.
The closed ministerial
roundtable provided a platform for African countries to strengthen continental
solidarity and coordination, advance shared priorities and promote a unified
African voice in global telecommunications.
Discussions focused on the
outcomes of the African PP-26 Preparatory Meeting held in Abidjan, proposals
contained in Africa’s Common Position and preparations for the forthcoming
African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT.
Ministers also considered
the issue of equitable African representation on the ITU Council. As part of
the discussions, they considered a proposal to develop a mechanism that would
promote balanced representation of the African region on the Council.
The consultation forms part
of Africa’s broader preparations for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in
Doha, where member states will consider issues shaping the future of global
telecommunications and ICT governance.
The Infrastructure and
Energy Department of the African Union Commission will carry the outcomes of
the consultation into its continued coordination with Member States, Regional
Economic Communities and the African Telecommunications Union.
The coordination will
continue on the road to the next Specialised Technical Committee on
Communication and ICT in Gabon and ultimately to PP-26 in Doha, as African
countries seek to consolidate common positions and strengthen the continent’s
participation in global telecommunications decision-making.
