African countries have endorsed a landmark declaration aimed at lowering the cost of internet access and smartphones, while promoting inclusive digital policies across the continent.
The 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, adopted at the close of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Abuja, commits member states to expanding broadband infrastructure, strengthening consumer protection, enhancing cybersecurity, and promoting digital literacy among women, youths, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities.
The conference, hosted by Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy alongside the Nigerian Communications Commission, also saw Zambia’s Kezias Mwale elected as the next ATU Secretary-General, with Nigeria assuming the chairmanship of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries.
International Telecommunication Union chief Doreen Bogdan-Martin stressed that affordability, enabling policies, and digital capacity are key to bridging Africa’s connectivity gap.
She noted that while mobile broadband covers 86% of Africa’s population, only 36% are online, with data costs still exceeding global affordability targets.
GSMA Africa’s Caroline Mbugua highlighted the importance of regulatory modernization, citing examples where technology-neutral licensing and fair spectrum pricing boosted broadband penetration and reduced data costs.
Outgoing ATU Secretary-General John Omo presented the ministerial declaration, which calls for urgent action on digital inclusion, infrastructure resilience, regulatory harmonisation, and investment in connectivity.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Dr Bosun Tijani, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to accelerating digital infrastructure and skills development, stressing that Africa’s digital future depends on collaboration.
Mwale, elected after four rounds of voting, pledged to serve the Union with humility and responsibility when he assumes office in January 2027.
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