By: Kanto Kai Okanta
The African
Union Commission (AUC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation
on Africa's inclusive, secure and sustainable digital transformation.
The agreement was signed on
the sidelines of the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva by African Union
Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, and ITU
Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
The cooperation framework
covers key areas including artificial intelligence, digital public
infrastructure, digital and AI skills development, universal connectivity,
cybersecurity, space technologies, international standards development and
digital regulation.
According to the African
Union Commission, the agreement aligns the African Union's Digital
Transformation Strategy for Africa and the Continental Artificial Intelligence
Strategy with the ITU's global mandate for digital technologies across its 194
Member States.
The partnership is expected
to strengthen implementation of Africa's digital priorities by providing a
structured mechanism for advancing interoperable sovereign AI systems,
expanding universal connectivity and supporting the continent's participation
in the development of global digital standards.
The agreement also
establishes the African Union Commission as a continental partner for
coordinating digital transformation initiatives across the AU's 55 Member
States while enhancing collaboration with the ITU on policy implementation and
technical cooperation.
