Nigeria will host telecommunications, information and communication technology (ICT), and digital economy ministers from across Africa in Abuja on July 23 and 24 as the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) holds its seventh Conference of Plenipotentiaries.
Gatekeepers News reports that the event is the union’s highest decision-making meeting and will shape Africa’s digital and telecommunications agenda for the next four years.
According to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the conference will bring together ICT ministers, regulators, senior government officials, industry leaders, academics and development partners to deliberate on key issues affecting the continent’s digital transformation.
The ministry said discussions will focus on expanding digital infrastructure, improving meaningful connectivity, spectrum management, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), digital skills development and strengthening institutional governance.
Delegates are also expected to take strategic decisions that will guide Africa’s telecommunications and digital economy policies over the next four years.
The ATU commenced its statutory meetings on July 16 with a special session of its Administrative Council, followed by meetings of the Conference Preparatory Committee ahead of the ministerial conference.
Nigeria is hosting the gathering as part of efforts to strengthen regional collaboration and accelerate digital innovation across Africa.
