Nigerian officials urged African nations to increase cooperation to build a stronger digital economy and empower the continent's youth at an African Telecommunication Union session.

Nigeria has called on African countries to foster greater regional collaboration to bolster the continent's digital economy. The appeal was made by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy during the 7th Special Session of the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) held Wednesday in Abuja.

Regional Cooperation and Digital Strategy

Representing the Ministry, Mr. Ahmed Alsukun stated that regional cooperation is essential for building an inclusive and innovative digital economy capable of empowering Africa's youth. He emphasized that a united Africa would possess greater influence in international decision-making and be better positioned to protect continental interests. Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Chairperson of the ATU Administrative Council, highlighted the importance of using information and communications technology (ICT) to build economic resilience. She pointed to digital public infrastructure (DPI)—including electronic payment systems and digital identity—as a catalyst for secure regional interactions, while commending Nigeria for its efforts to digitize public institutions.

ATU Statutory Preparations

ATU Secretary-General John Omo noted that the special session serves as a critical step in statutory preparations for upcoming conferences. He stressed that the organization's effectiveness depends on the implementation of proposals as legal documents, noting that collective effort is required to bring ongoing work to a conclusion.