The Federal Government has charged leaders of African countries to be committed to strengthening collaboration of policies and investment plans as a strategic step towards bridging the wide gap in the continent’s telecommunications infrastructure assets, particularly since nearly one billion Africans are still without access to mobile internet.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja at the 7th Special Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Administrative Council.
Gagare, who was represented at the event by Director in the ministry, Ahmed Alsukun, noted that regional cooperation remained critical to building a strong, inclusive and innovative digital economy capable of unlocking career opportunities for Africa’s rapidly growing youth population.
According to him, that no single country could achieve the continent’s digital aspirations alone hence the need for national governments to work together to expand connectivity, improve digital infrastructure, promote digital skills, strengthen cybersecurity and enhance data protection.
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He said: “We believe that regional co-operation is essential if Africa is to build a strong, inclusive and innovative digital economy to empower our growing youth population.
“Working together, we can expand connectivity, improve digital infrastructure, promote skills, strengthen cyber security, protect data and create opportunities for our people”, Gagare added..
He maintained that a united Africa would wield greater influence in global digital policy discussions and be stronlgy positioned to protect the continent’s interests for inclusive growth.
Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the ATU Administrative Council and Director-General of South Africa’s Communications Department, Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, urged African leaders to prioritizing the building economic resilience through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a deliberate regional strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA’s) sustainable growth
She harped on the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to national development, describing digital identity and electronic payment systems as critical tools for securing collaboration and accelerating regional integration.
The industry expert advocated that member states must remain committed to strengthening the ATU to shape Africa’s digital future and drive sustainable development across the continent.
Jordan-Dyani commended Nigeria for its leadership roles in implementing digital public systems, stressing that developing countries must prioritise public digital services that deliver maximum value to citizens.
Earlier in his remarks, Secretary-General of the ATU, John Omo, said the special session was a strategic step towards preparations for the union’s forthcoming conference.
Noting that the ATU can effectively exercise its mandate when proposals submitted by member states are legally sound, credible and fully implemented, he pointed out that the progress recorded during this period had been made possible through collective efforts, and that it had become imperative to collectively achieve the union’s mandate for desired benefits to all member states.
