African Union seeks to strengthen AI and digital sovereignty
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Citizen Digital
The African Union is calling for stronger African capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, so the continent can participate in decisions shaping new technologies. Lerato D. Mataboge, the African Union Commission’s Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, presented these priorities at a ministerial meeting held on 29 October in Libreville, Gabon.
The priorities discussed also include access to affordable internet, interoperability of digital identities, data governance, digital skills and innovation. Mataboge urged ministers to move from strategies to implementation, with measurable targets and effective monitoring.
The commissioner also called on African countries to coordinate their positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union’s Plenipotentiary Conference, scheduled for 2026 in Doha, Qatar. They will in particular need to defend common positions on digital inclusion, infrastructure investment and global digital governance. These priorities build on the African Union’s aim to industrialise African resources, raised in another part of its agenda for transforming the continent.
