Shettima calls for unified African digital governance at ATU conference
Vice President Shettima called for a unified African front in digital governance, urging regional partners to align policy frameworks on AI, satellite networks and broadband expansion.
At the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hadejia, called for a unified African front in digital governance. Nigerian telecom regulators urged regional partners to align policy frameworks around AI, satellite networks and broadband expansion ahead of upcoming global ITU elections.
The call for unity reflects Nigeria’s recognition that Africa cannot afford to be fragmented in the global digital economy. The continent must speak with one voice on issues such as digital taxation, data governance and spectrum allocation. The ATU conference provided a platform for Nigeria to assert its leadership in African digital policy.
The focus on AI, satellite networks and broadband expansion is particularly significant. These are the building blocks of the digital economy, and Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in all three areas. The country has already launched a national AI strategy and is investing in satellite technology and broadband infrastructure.
This echoes the 2010s push for African unity on telecommunications policy, which also sought to harmonise regulations across the continent. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a recognition that Africa must speak with one voice in global digital governance.
The winners: Nigeria’s tech sector, which gains from regional alignment; and the African continent, which gains from unified policies. The losers: countries that resist integration; and the Nigerian government, which must lead the charge.
Bottom Line: Nigeria is pushing for a unified African digital policy. The goal is to speak with one voice on AI, satellites and broadband. The question is whether the rest of Africa will follow.