African Union

From Digital Strategies to Delivery: AU Ministers Call for Increased Investment and Faster Implementation. The Sixth Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and Information and Communication Technology (STC-CICT) opened its Ministerial Session in Libreville, Gabon on 29 October 2026, with ministers calling for faster implementation of continental digital commitments and stronger collective action to advance a Single African Digital Market. The Ministerial Session follows two days of deliberations by experts and brings together ministers responsible for communication, information, information and communication technology (ICT) and postal services, members of the STC Bureau, African Union Commission officials and development partners. Ghana is assuming the Committee’s chairmanship for the next two years, succeeding the Kingdom of Lesotho. Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission, H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, said the session was taking place as digital technologies fundamentally reshape economies, governance and public service delivery. She stressed that digital infrastructure is now as essential to national development as roads, railways, ports and electricity. “Africa cannot afford to approach the digital revolution as a spectator. Our ambition must be to build an Africa that not only participates in the digital economy, but contributes to shaping it and benefits from the wealth it creates,” she said. Commissioner Mataboge outlined the six pillars before the Committee: enabling policies and infrastructure; trusted and interoperable digital ecosystems; artificial intelligence; skills and innovation; strategic communications; and Africa’s leadership in global digital governance. She emphasised that connectivity, data governance, cybersecurity and AI are connected elements of Africa’s economic transformation, not separate policy discussions. Commissioner Mataboge called for accelerated investment in cross-border fibre networks, regional data centres, internet exchange points, cloud infrastructure and last-mile connectivity, and for infrastructure, energy and digitalisation to be planned and financed together. She also urged progress toward a Single African Digital Market, citing the African Continental Free Trade Area  (AfCFTA) Protocol on Digital Trade and the need for cooperation on data governance, digital identity, cross-border payments and electronic transactions. In her second appeal to ministers, Commissioner Mataboge @LDMataboge focused on financing and execution. “Africa does not suffer from a shortage of digital strategies... What we require now is sustained financing, stronger institutions and the courage and focus to implement our commitments,” she said. She called for dedicated financing facilities for continental digital infrastructure, mobilisation of investment for African AI, research, digital skills and innovation, and greater use of blended finance, guarantees and public-private partnerships in underserved markets. She also stressed that citizens must see results through lower connectivity costs, expanded digital access, job creation, stronger African enterprises and improved public services. In welcoming delegates, H.E. Mark-Alexandre Doumba, Minister of the Economy, Digitalisation and Innovation of the Gabonese Republic, underscored #Gabon’s commitment to continental digital integration. “Gabon is honoured to host this session, and we remain committed to working with all Member States so that digital transformation delivers real benefits for our citizens,” he said. He welcomed ministers to Libreville and thanked the African Union Commission, experts and partners for their preparations. The incoming Chair of the STC-CICT, #STCCICT6 Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, said the Committee must be measured by results rather than declarations. He noted that while Africa already has the Digital Transformation Strategy, the Continental AI Strategy, the Data Policy Framework and the Malabo Convention, implementation has too often lagged. He listed connectivity, data governance, cybersecurity and AI built “for Africa, by Africans” as urgent priorities, and said Africa must negotiate as a market of nearly 1.5 billion people rather than 55 separate markets. He also cited Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme as an example of investing in young people. The outgoing Chair, Lesotho’s Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Nthati Moorosi, was acknowledged for her stewardship of the Committee. Ministers are expected to consider and adopt the experts’ report, review progress on continental digital initiatives, and advance the Libreville Declaration on the Road to Doha ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar. The session is also addressing the Algiers Declaration on Fair, Safe and Responsible Digital Platforms in Africa, cybersecurity and data protection, and Africa’s collective positioning in global digital governance. The African Union Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, development partners and the private sector to mobilise resources and accelerate delivery. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…

A united African voice on the road to Doha. African Ministers endorsed the Libreville Declaration on Africa’s Road to Doha 2026 at the Ministerial Session of #STCCICT6, setting out a common position ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference. The Declaration advances shared priorities on connectivity, equitable access to spectrum, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and Africa’s engagement with global technology platforms, alongside coordinated support for African candidates in ITU elections. H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, urged Member States to approach Doha with unity, preparation and clear objectives: “Our collective voice carries greater weight when we speak with common purpose.” With Africa allocated 13 seats on the ITU Council, coordinated action is essential to translating representation into influence. More @ au.int/en/newsevents/2026102… @LDMataboge

🇬🇦 Stronger connectivity, greater opportunities for innovation. Addressing the Ministerial Session of #STCCICT6, H.E. Mark-Alexandre Doumba, Minister of Digital Economy and Innovation of Gabon, emphasised cooperation on digital infrastructure, skills and innovation, and a stronger collective African voice in global digital governance. His message comes as #Gabon advances its own digital ambitions, with the launch of 5G during this week’s Gabon Digital Week marking a step towards the connected future at the heart of the ministerial discussions. More @ au.int/en/newsevents/2026102…

At the Ministerial Session of #STCCICT6, H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, @LDMataboge African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, placed African technological capabilities, connected markets and investment in infrastructure at the heart of the continent’s digital ambitions: “Africa cannot afford to approach the digital revolution as a spectator. Our ambition must be to build an Africa that not only participates in the digital economy, but contributes to shaping it and benefits from the wealth it creates.” Read @ au.int/en/speeches/20261029/…

🇬🇭 Ghana takes up the chairmanship of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT to steer its work over the coming term. During the opening of the Ministerial Session of #STCCICT6 in Libreville, outgoing Chair H.E. Nthati Moorosi of Lesotho handed over the instruments of office to Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. The handover marks continuity in collective efforts to advance Africa’s digital transformation, innovation and inclusion. Read @ au.int/en/speeches/20261029/…

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf this afternoon addressed the plenary session of the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow. The session was co-chaired by H.E. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, & H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union. In his remarks, the Chairperson @ymahmoudali expressed appreciation for the warm & cordial welcome extended to all delegations. He underscored that the participation of African Heads of State & Government in the Summit reflects the importance they attach to strengthening cooperation & advancing mutually beneficial relations with the Russian Federation. He reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to respecting the sovereign choices of its Member States in pursuing their development priorities, while advancing the vision of an integrated, prosperous & peaceful Africa. He emphasised that these efforts remain guided by Agenda 2063, the continent’s strategic framework for inclusive & sustainable development & the realisation of the aspirations of its people. Highlighting Africa’s vast agricultural & mineral resources, the Chairperson stressed the importance of ensuring that these resources generate tangible benefits for the continent’s population. He underscored the need to promote local processing, value addition & industrialisation to enable African countries to capture greater value from their natural endowments. He further emphasised the importance of equitable & favourable access to international capital markets to support Africa’s development ambitions. In this regard, he welcomed the establishment of the African Credit Rating Agency as an important step towards strengthening Africa’s financial sovereignty & addressing persistent challenges in credit ratings. He also called for comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture to ensure that it is more equitable, inclusive & responsive to the development needs of African countries. On global governance, the Chairperson reiterated the African Union’s longstanding position on the need for equitable & fair representation of Africa in the UN Security Council, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus & the Sirte Declaration. He also called for renewed international attention to the historical injustices of colonialism, including efforts to address its legacy & advance recognition of colonialism as a crime against humanity. Addressing the challenges posed by technological disparities, the Chairperson stressed the need to bridge the digital divide, expand access to technology & strengthen Africa’s digital capabilities. He underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation with the Russian Federation & other international partners in promoting technology transfer, innovation, capacity-building & digital transformation in support of Africa’s development priorities. President Putin thanked the Chairperson for his remarks & expressed Russia’s appreciation for the partnership & cooperation with the AU Commission. He reaffirmed the strategic nature of #Russia–AU Commission relations & commended the Commission for its role in strengthening this partnership & advancing a shared spirit of cooperation. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…

Opening Remarks by the Honourable Nthati Moorosi, Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation of the Kingdom of Lesotho at the 6th AU STC on Communication and ICT (STC-CICT) Read @ au.int/en/speeches/20261029/…

[LIVE] Follow the Opening Ceremony of the 6th STC on communication and ICT nitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1OxwbndWb…

6th AU STC on Communication and ICT (STC-CICT) nitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1OxwbndWb…

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali, was received this evening by H.E. Vladimir Putin, President of the #Russian Federation, at the Kremlin in Moscow, on the occasion of the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit. The Chairperson’s participation in the Summit underscores the AU’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, advancing Africa’s strategic priorities, and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation in support of peace, security & sustainable development. Earlier in the day, on the margins of the Summit, the Chairperson & the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, H.E. Sergey Lavrov, signed the Russia–African Union Commission Plan of Action for 2027–2029, outlining key areas of cooperation, including technology, education, agriculture, & peace & security. The Plan provides a framework for deepening dialogue, strengthening & institutional cooperation. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…

On the sidelines of the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf @ymahmoudali & H.E. Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the #Russian Federation signed the AU Commission–Russian Federation Action Plan 2027–2029, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Building on the Memorandum of Understanding on the Basic Principles of Relations & Cooperation, the Action Plan provides a framework for deepening AU–Russia engagement across 19 areas of cooperation over the 2027–2029 period. The framework underscores the importance of sustained political dialogue, institutional engagement & coordination on regional & international issues, including cooperation within the United Nations. Peace & security remain important pillars of the partnership, with proposed activities focusing on counterterrorism, combating transnational organised crime, exchanging expertise & strengthening institutional capacities, in support of the AU’s Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030 initiative. The Action Plan further identifies science, technology & innovation as important areas for collaboration, particularly artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity & space technology. Proposed initiatives include joint research & the development of AI-enabled early-warning systems for conflict risks, public health emergencies & natural disasters. Cooperation will also encompass energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture, water resources management, climate change adaptation, healthcare, humanitarian affairs, education, trade, investment & financial cooperation. Particular attention is given to capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, academic partnerships & the development of technical expertise in AU Member States. The framework also promotes exchanges in culture, sports & youth engagement, alongside cooperation in child protection & the preservation of cultural heritage. Through this Action Plan, the AU Commission & the Russian Federation seek to further strengthen their partnership through dialogue, practical cooperation & the exchange of experience, in support of the AU’s integration & development objectives under Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. The Action Plan constitutes a framework for cooperation & does not create rights or obligations under international law. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…

The African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, adopted by the AU Assembly in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on 27 June 2014, provides a continental legal framework for building a secure, trusted and rights-respecting digital environment in Africa. Commonly known as the Malabo Convention, it seeks to harmonise national approaches to cybersecurity, cybercrime and personal-data protection, while facilitating the development of the digital economy and electronic transactions. The Convention requires States Parties to establish appropriate legal, institutional and regulatory frameworks for cybersecurity, including national policies, mechanisms to prevent and respond to cyber threats, and cooperation among relevant authorities. It also establishes principles for personal-data protection, requiring lawful, fair and transparent processing of personal information, respect for individuals’ rights, appropriate security safeguards, and the establishment of independent or suitably empowered data-protection authorities. In relation to electronic transactions, it promotes legal recognition of electronic communications, contracts and signatures and seeks to create confidence in digital commerce. The Convention further addresses cybercrime, encouraging Member States to criminalise relevant offences, strengthen investigative and procedural measures, and cooperate in combating cybercrime across borders while respecting fundamental rights and international law. Overall, the Convention provides a common continental framework to strengthen digital trust, cybersecurity, privacy, electronic commerce and cross-border cooperation, supporting Africa’s digital transformation and the objectives of Agenda 2063. It was adopted on 27 June 2014 and subsequently entered into force after the required ratifications; the AU maintains an official status list of signatures and ratifications. Read more about the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection at: au.int/en/treaties/african-u… #DigitalTransformation #DigitalAfrica #STCCICT #Agenda2063

Ministers, senior officials, and experts from across the continent gather to: 🔹Elect a new Bureau 🔹 Review progress since the 5th Ordinary and 2nd Extraordinary Sessions 🔹 Conduct a mid-term review of the Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030) 🔹 Take stock of progress on AI, Data Governance, Digital ID, and Cybersecurity 🔹 Examine new frameworks for building an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous digital Africa The current Bureau includes Lesotho (Chair), Ghana (1st Vice-Chair), Djibouti (2nd Vice-Chair), 3rd Vice-Chair (Northern Africa) – To be confirmed, and the Republic of the Congo (Rapporteur). Stay tuned for updates as Africa charts its digital future! More @ au.int/en/newsevents/2026102… #DigitalTransformation #DigitalAfrica #STCCICT #Agenda2063

On the sidelines of the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, participated in the high-level side event, “#Russia–#Africa Agro-Industrial Alliance: Meeting the Challenges Together,” organised in partnership with the Russian Association of #Fertilizer Producers (RAPU). Highlighting Africa’s vast #agricultural potential, the Chairperson noted that the continent possessesvast hectares of arable land & significant water resources, yet only 6% of its arable land is irrigated. He further underscored that Africa imports approximately $100 billion worth of food annually, including rice, maize, wheat & edible oils. He emphasised that unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential requires structural transformation, including expanding #irrigation, improving access to fertilizers, strengthening local production, & investing in agricultural research, technology transfer & skills development. By developing its own agricultural value chains, Africa can increase domestic food production, reduce import dependence & strengthen food security, he added. The Chairperson @ymahmoudali also highlighted Russia’s potential to contribute to Africa’s agricultural transformation through enhanced cooperation, investment & the transfer of technology & expertise. He stressed the importance of strengthening local capacities & deepening engagement with Russian businesses & the agricultural sector. He reaffirmed that achieving sustainable #food security requires Africa to build on its own resources & productive capacities while creating greater value locally. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…

The 6th Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (STC-CICT) officially kicked off today, 26 October 2026, in #Libreville, #Gabon, bringing together African Union Member States and continental and international partners to advance Africa’s digital transformation agenda. Discussions are focusing on how to translate continental policies into practical actions, harness Artificial Intelligence (AI), expand meaningful connectivity, strengthen digital infrastructure and ensure that technology delivers tangible benefits to African citizens. More @ au.int/en/newsevents/2026102… #STCCommsICT @au_ied

The African Union will convene the 6th Ordinary Session of the STC-CICT from 26–29 October 2026 in Libreville, Gabon. Ministers, officials & experts will shape Africa's digital future. Building an integrated, peaceful & prosperous digital Africa requires action. Join the conversation as leaders meet in Libreville to move from policy to implementation. #STCICT #DigitalTransformation #AI #DataGovernance Read more at: au.int/en/newsevents/2026102…