By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Côte d’Ivoire has called for
a unified African position in global digital negotiations as the continent
prepares for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary
Conference 2026 (PP-26) in Doha.
Minister of Digital
Transition and Technological Innovation Djibril Ouattara opened the fourth and
final African Preparatory Meeting for ITU PP-26 on Tuesday, September 15, 2026,
in Abidjan, stressing the importance of a concerted and collective African voice
in shaping global digital policy.
Ouattara said Africa could
only have significant influence in global digital negotiations if countries
across the continent speak with a coherent and common position on issues
affecting their digital transformation.
The preparatory meeting is
expected to help consolidate Africa’s priorities ahead of the ITU PP-26, with
universal access, bridging the digital divide, digital inclusion,
infrastructure and cybersecurity identified among the key issues the continent
intends to defend collectively in Doha in November 2026.
The push for a common
position comes as African countries seek to strengthen their influence in
international discussions on the future of digital technologies, connectivity
and digital governance.
Côte d’Ivoire also
reaffirmed its candidacy for a seat on the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term,
signalling its intention to play a more active role in shaping global digital
governance.
The country’s participation
in the final African preparatory meeting is expected to contribute to efforts
to build consensus around the continent’s priorities before the PP-26
discussions in Doha.
The meeting underscores the
importance of coordinated African positions in ensuring that the continent’s
digital development priorities, including expanded connectivity, inclusion and
stronger digital infrastructure, are reflected in global policy decisions.
