MWC26: ATU pushes for harmonised AI and connectivity strategies at MWC Barcelona
Date: 2026-03-04
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
African Telecommunications Union (ATU) is actively advancing Africa’s digital
transformation priorities at the ongoing GSMA Mobile World Congress in
Barcelona.
ATU
Secretary General John Omo participated in two high-profile sessions,
highlighting the continent’s strategic needs in artificial intelligence and
mobile connectivity. During Huawei’s “All-In Talk on Africa’s AI Landscape,”
Omo advocated for a uniquely African AI pathway, emphasizing harmonised policy
frameworks, sovereign compute and data infrastructure, and the development of
local talent.
In
a separate session with Ericsson on “Connecting the Next Billion Mobile
Internet Users,” he stressed the importance of affordability, digital skills,
policy alignment, and public-private partnerships to expand meaningful
connectivity across Africa. Omo’s contributions underscored the critical role
of coordinated action in ensuring the continent’s digital future is inclusive,
sovereign, and sustainable.
