POLITICAL Economy

GSMA Endorses Abuja Pact On Africa Digital Growth

by admin on | 2026-07-26 16:19:09

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GSMA Endorses Abuja Pact On Africa Digital Growth

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama, Abuja

The GSM Association (GSMA) has expressed its endorsement of the Abuja Ministerial Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, recognising the agreement as a significant milestone in the advancement of the continent's digital future. 

This declaration is expected to facilitate evidence-based policymaking, enhance investment, and promote stronger regional collaboration.

The declaration was adopted by ministers and heads of delegation during the just-concluded African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-2026) in Abuja. 

It commits African governments to implementing policies that promote meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion, technology-neutral regulation, resilient digital infrastructure and the development of locally relevant digital services.

The agreement also emphasises the need for stronger partnerships among governments, industry players and development partners to bridge Africa's connectivity and digital usage gaps, which continue to hinder socio-economic development in many parts of the continent.

Speaking at the forum, Caroline Mbugua, Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA, said the Abuja Ministerial Declaration demonstrates a common commitment among African governments to delivering meaningful connectivity through modern and investment-friendly policies.

"The Abuja Ministerial Declaration sends an important signal that African governments share a common vision for delivering meaningful connectivity through modern, evidence-based and investment-friendly policy. Its emphasis on digital inclusion, technology-neutral regulation, resilient infrastructure and stronger regional collaboration reflects the practical policy foundations needed to accelerate Africa'sdigital transformation," she said.

According to the GSMA, the declaration reflects a shared vision among African nations to accelerate digital transformation by creating enabling policy environments that encourage innovation, investment and wider access to digital technologies.

The GSMA reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments, regulators and industry stakeholders to support the implementation of the declaration, to expand digital access, strengthen infrastructure and unlock new opportunities for economic growth and innovation across Africa.