RismadarVoice Reporters, July 25, 2026
African countries have adopted a new declaration committing to cheaper internet access, affordable smartphones and technology-neutral regulations as part of a continent-wide strategy to expand meaningful digital connectivity and accelerate economic growth.
The commitment formed part of the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, adopted at the close of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Abuja on Friday.
The declaration commits member states to improving digital affordability, expanding access to broadband infrastructure, strengthening consumer protection and cybersecurity, and promoting digital literacy, particularly among women, youths, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
The conference, hosted by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commission, also elected Zambia’s Kezias Mwale as the next Secretary-General of the ATU and saw Nigeria assume the chairmanship of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries for the next institutional cycle.
