Nigeria is urging African countries to strengthen their cooperation on telecommunications and digital economy policies ahead of a major United Nations conference, arguing that a united continental position will be essential in shaping the future of global digital governance.

The call was made by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), scheduled to take place later this year in Doha, Qatar.

Speaking during a meeting with delegates from across Africa, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said closer collaboration among African regulators would enable the continent to play a more influential role in international discussions on emerging technologies, telecommunications policy, and the digital economy.

Preparing a Unified African Position

According to the NCC, the continental preparatory meeting is intended to help African countries develop common positions before the ITU conference, where member states will make key decisions affecting the future direction of global telecommunications.

Delegates are expected to review the activities of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) between 2023 and 2026, consider recommendations for the ATU’s own Conference of Plenipotentiaries, and assess Africa’s overall readiness for the ITU summit in Doha.

The regulator described the consultations as an important opportunity to ensure that African priorities are reflected in future international telecommunications policies.

Cooperation Beyond Conferences

The NCC stressed that emerging technologies are creating policy challenges that require sustained cooperation rather than occasional meetings.

Among the issues identified as priorities for African regulators are radio spectrum harmonization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital trust, data protection, and universal digital access.

The commission argued that these rapidly evolving areas demand institutionalized collaboration among governments and regulators to develop coordinated policies capable of supporting innovation while protecting consumers and national interests.

As digital technologies become increasingly interconnected across borders, regulators say harmonized approaches will be critical to ensuring Africa remains competitive in the global digital economy.

Nigeria’s Expanding Digital Policy Agenda

The regional push comes as Nigeria advances a broader programme of domestic digital policy reforms.

Industry observers expect 2026 to be a significant year for the country’s technology sector, with proposed legislation aimed at strengthening the governance of emerging technologies.

Among the proposals under consideration are measures that could expand the role of Nigeria’s information technology regulator by introducing oversight for artificial intelligence systems, including risk-based AI classification, algorithmic transparency requirements, and accreditation of AI auditors in collaboration with the country’s data protection authorities.

The reforms are intended to provide a clearer regulatory framework as AI adoption accelerates across government and private industry.

National Tech Conference Ahead

Nigeria is also preparing to host the Nigeria Computer Society’s RISE 2026 Conference, scheduled to take place in Jos from July 27 to 30.

The event is expected to bring together more than 2,000 technology professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and investors to discuss digital innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and strategies for inclusive economic growth.

By hosting the conference outside the country’s traditional technology hubs of Lagos and Abuja, organizers hope to broaden participation and encourage innovation across Nigeria’s regions.

Why It Matters

Telecommunications has become one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing economic sectors, contributing an increasing share of the country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as investments in broadband infrastructure, fibre-optic networks, and next-generation mobile technologies continue to expand.

At the same time, decisions on AI governance, spectrum allocation, cybersecurity standards, and cross-border data regulation are increasingly being shaped through international forums such as the ITU.

Nigerian regulators argue that a coordinated African position will give the continent greater influence over those decisions and help ensure that global digital policies reflect Africa’s development priorities rather than being determined solely by larger technology markets.

As preparations for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference continue, Nigeria’s message is clear: a stronger, more unified African voice will be essential to shaping the rules that govern the next generation of global digital connectivity.