African Union targets digital independence with native AI initiative

• Mataboge said Africa was at a defining moment in its digital transformation, with artificial intelligence, data and digital platforms reshaping economies and societies

An AI-generated image of a conceptual illustration showing secure digital finance in Kenya.

The African Union has called for stronger African artificial intelligence capabilities, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, warning that the continent must help shape global technology rules instead of remaining a consumer of the digital revolution.

African Union Commission Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Lerato D. Mataboge made the call during the ministerial session of the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and Information and Communication Technology (STC-CICT), held in Libreville, Gabon, on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Mataboge said Africa was at a defining moment in its digital transformation, with artificial intelligence, data and digital platforms reshaping economies and societies.

“Our challenge is not simply to adapt to this transformation. It is to shape it in accordance with our priorities and ensure that its benefits reach all Africans,” she said.

She added that Africa needed to play a more active role in developing digital innovation and influencing the rules governing emerging technologies.

“Africa must not remain a consumer of the global digital revolution. We must help shape its rules, drive its innovation and capture its opportunities,” Mataboge said.

The Commissioner’s remarks placed digital sovereignty and local technological capacity at the centre of the African Union’s digital transformation agenda.

The priorities outlined at the meeting included expanding affordable internet connectivity, strengthening cybersecurity, improving digital identity interoperability, enhancing data governance and developing African AI capabilities.

The agenda also covers digital skills, innovation and strategic communication, with the aim of building an integrated, competitive and inclusive African digital economy.

Mataboge said these priorities were central to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020–2030.

She urged ministers to move beyond adopting strategies and focus on implementation, measurable targets and effective monitoring.

Mataboge identified Africa’s preparations for the 2026 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference, scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, as a key item on the committee’s agenda.

She said African countries needed to coordinate their positions and speak with a common voice on telecommunications, digital inclusion, infrastructure investment and global digital governance.

“Africa must go to Doha not simply to participate, but to influence decisions and help shape the global digital future,” she said.

The conference presents an opportunity for African countries to pursue shared priorities in international telecommunications and digital development.

The meeting also considered the Algiers Declaration on Fair, Safe and Responsible Digital Platforms in Africa.

Mataboge said digital platforms had become central to economies, communication and public life, requiring policies that support innovation while protecting users and fundamental rights.

She called for a digital environment that allows African businesses and content creators to participate fairly while encouraging responsible conduct by platforms.

The declaration was presented as part of broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s ability to shape its own digital environment and influence international technology governance.

Mataboge said Africa’s digital ambitions would require sustained investment, stronger partnerships and financing mechanisms that allow member states to lead implementation.

She acknowledged support from development and technology partners, including the World Bank, European Union, Google, GIZ and GSMA, while emphasising African ownership of the agenda.

“The success of this meeting will not be measured by the number of documents we adopt, but by the decisions we implement, the investments we mobilise and the difference we make in the lives of our people,” she said.