By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
African Union member states,
regional institutions and partners have begun three days of discussions in
Libreville, Gabon, to prepare policy recommendations on digital transformation
and communication for consideration by ministers at the Sixth Specialised
Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (STC-CICT6).
The experts’ session opened
on October 26, 2026, and will run until October 28, ahead of the ministerial session
scheduled for October 29–30.
The deliberations will focus
on continental priorities and policy proposals covering digital inclusion,
innovation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and Africa’s voice in global
digital governance.
In his opening remarks, Dr
Kamugisha Kazaura, Director of Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union
Commission, encouraged participants to focus on practical actions that can
accelerate implementation and support an inclusive, connected and secure digital
future for Africa.
Welcoming participants on
behalf of the host country, Mrs Aline Sylvie Minko-Mi-Etoua, Secretary-General
of Gabon’s Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalisation and Innovation,
underscored the importance of the continental dialogue.
The session is being held
under the theme, “Africa’s Digital Future, Africa’s Voice: Advancing
Innovation, Digital Inclusion and Shaping Africa’s Narrative.”
The experts’ deliberations
are expected to produce recommendations to guide ministers’ discussions on
Africa’s digital transformation priorities and strengthen continental
cooperation on communication and information and communication technologies.
The ministerial session on
October 29–30 will follow the experts’ meeting, providing a platform for
ministers to consider the proposals and advance discussions on Africa’s digital
future.
