Shettima advocates for African collaboration on AI and telecom policies
via Punch Nigeria12 min read
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged African nations to enhance cooperation and establish a unified stance in global discussions concerning artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and digital governance. Speaking at the seventh Ordinary Session of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries of the African Telecommunications Union in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that no single African country can independently achieve the continent's digital aspirations. He stated that unity would amplify Africa's influence over policies and standards for emerging technologies. The Vice President, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia, highlighted that the conference provides an opportunity for African countries to coordinate priorities ahead of the 2026 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference. He called for joint efforts to expand affordable internet access, strengthen cybersecurity, improve spectrum management, harmonize standards, and develop responsible AI rules. Shettima stressed that Africa must move beyond mere participation to actively shape decisions that will define the future of digital development. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the expansion of Nigeria's N-ATLAS artificial intelligence project into a continental initiative called the ATLAS Network, aiming to develop AI systems reflecting African languages, cultures, and knowledge. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogda
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