Nigeria has called on African countries to strengthen regional collaboration to build the continent’s digital economy, arguing a united approach would give Africa stronger influence in global decision making and better protect continental interests.
Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Permanent Secretary Nadungu Gagare, represented by Director Ahmed Alsukun, made the call at the 7th Special Session of the African Telecommunication Union in Abuja. 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, he said, working together, we can expand connectivity, improve digital infrastructure, promote skills, strengthen cyber security, protect data and create opportunities for our people, arguing a united Africa would carry the greatest influence in international decision making.
ATU Administrative Council Chairperson Nonkqubela Jordan Dyani said building economic resilience through information and communication technology must become a deliberate regional strategy, describing digital public infrastructure, including digital identity and electronic payment systems, as a catalyst enabling secure interactions across the region. It is our collective commitment to continue to build our organisation and maximise its effectiveness to shape the digital future of Africa and drive our development, she said, praising Nigeria’s digitalisation of public institutions and urging other African countries to follow suit. ATU Secretary General John Omo said the special session formed a critical part of statutory preparations ahead of the union’s broader conference, noting the ATU can only exercise its authority effectively once the proposals before it become legal documents that are fully implemented. The progress recorded during this period has been made possible through collective effort, he said, and we now have the sole responsibility to bring this work to a conclusion.
