From Abuja, ATU makes Ubuntu call, by Okoh Aihe

The constant message from Nigeria, which hosted the event, was the call for greater unity among African nations to advance shared priorities and strengthen the continent’s influence in international decision-making processes, especially with Africa seeking a stronger voice in shaping the future of global telecommunications and digital innovation.

However, the African Plenipotentiary, which brought policymakers, regulators and telecom industry businesses under one roof, is a precursor to the global Plenipotentiary holding in Doha before the end of the year, and was called essentially for African nations to take common positions on building out digital facilities and relationships across the continent and also, at global fora, take common positions on nuanced digital development and tech inventions and how they benefit Africa in the long run.

Just as Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, gave credence to the continent’s aspirations, she called for stronger African participation in shaping the global digital agenda, encouraging the continent to become a creator, innovator and contributor to future technologies and standards.