Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George (MP), has been confirmed as Chair of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (AU STC-ICT) at its 6th Ordinary Session in Libreville, Gabon.
In his opening address to the ministerial session, the Minister described the chairmanship as a responsibility to the entire African Union, emphasising the need for stronger continental cooperation to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.
“I accept such responsibility not as a privilege for one country, but as a duty to our entire union,” he said.
Addressing Africa’s digital priorities, Hon. George called for a decisive shift from policy development to implementation, noting that the continent already has key frameworks on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and data governance.
“What we have too often lacked is the collective will to implement them at the pace that our people demand,” he stated.
He highlighted connectivity, data governance, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as critical areas requiring coordinated action, stressing that Africa must take a more active role in shaping the global digital economy.
“When we negotiate alone, we are 55 separate markets, but when we negotiate together, we are a market of nearly 1.5 billion people,” he said, adding that Africa must be “at the table, not on the menu” in global conversations on artificial intelligence, data and digital trade.
The Minister also underscored the importance of equipping Africa’s young population with the skills and opportunities to innovate, drawing attention to Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme as an example of what young people can achieve when given the right tools.
Setting out his priorities for the chairmanship, Hon. George pledged to build consensus, strengthen cooperation and drive implementation across the continent.
“Over the next two years, this committee must be measured not by the declarations that we adopt, but by the results that we deliver,” he said.
He called on member states to take bold decisions towards a shared digital future in which Africa can operate as one digital market and speak with one digital voice.
Ghana’s chairmanship comes at a critical time as African countries work to expand digital access, strengthen cybersecurity, advance responsible AI development and ensure that the continent’s digital resources and opportunities serve its people.
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