ABUJA, Nigeria – Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, has declared that Africa is no longer on the sidelines of global digital transformation but is emerging as a driving force in innovation, digital inclusion, and technology-led development.
Speaking after participating in the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Plenipotentiary Conference (CPL-26) in Abuja, Bogdan-Martin described the gathering as a timely platform for African ministers, regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to shape the continent’s digital future through stronger collaboration and shared vision.
The conference, chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, brought together telecommunications leaders from across the continent to discuss policies and strategies aimed at accelerating digital connectivity, expanding digital infrastructure, and promoting inclusive technological growth.
According to the ITU Secretary-General, Africa is demonstrating remarkable progress in digital transformation through expanding telecommunications networks, the adoption of digital public infrastructure, and the emergence of innovative technology solutions designed to address local challenges.
“Africa is not sitting on the sidelines of our shared digital future—it is already helping to lead it,” she said, noting that the continent’s youthful population is becoming one of its greatest competitive advantages.
She highlighted that Africa’s young innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology professionals are developing solutions capable of transforming sectors such as education, healthcare, financial services, agriculture, governance, and commerce. Their creativity and resilience, she said, are positioning the continent as an increasingly important player in the global digital economy.
Bogdan-Martin also extended her congratulations to Eng. Kezias Kazuba Mwale on his election as the new Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), expressing confidence in his leadership and reaffirming the ITU’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the continental telecommunications body.
She stressed that while Africa’s digital future presents enormous opportunities, significant work remains to ensure that every citizen can benefit from meaningful connectivity. Bridging the digital divide, expanding broadband access, improving digital literacy, and investing in resilient communications infrastructure remain critical priorities for governments and industry stakeholders.
The ITU chief called for sustained investment, stronger public-private partnerships, and regional cooperation to ensure that digital transformation translates into inclusive economic growth, job creation, improved public services, and greater opportunities for young people across the continent.
Observers at the conference noted that Nigeria’s hosting of the ATU Plenipotentiary Conference further reinforces its growing leadership role in Africa’s digital economy. Under the leadership of Dr. Bosun Tijani, the country has intensified efforts to expand broadband penetration, strengthen digital infrastructure, promote innovation, and create an enabling environment for technology-driven businesses.
As Africa continues its digital transformation journey, stakeholders agreed that collaboration among governments, regulators, development partners, and the private sector will be essential to unlocking the continent’s vast digital potential and ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age.
