LIBREVILLE-African Union Opens 6th Session of Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE

Press Release No: 0138/2026 Date: 26^th October 2026

Venue: Libreville, Gabon

African Union Opens 6^th Session of Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT

The African Union Commission (AU) opened the 6th Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and Information and Communications Technology (STC-CICT) in Libreville, Gabon, bringing together senior government officials, experts and partners to advance Africa’s digital transformation agenda.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Kamugisha Kazaura, Director of Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission (AUC), underscored the strategic importance of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in accelerating the continent’s digital transformation.

“Connectivity, secure data exchange and interoperability are foundations for integrated public services and digital innovation. By advancing them together, Africa can create more opportunities for its people and take a stronger role in shaping the global digital future,” he stated, calling for in-depth deliberations and practical technical recommendations to inform ministerial decisions and advance the continental digital agenda.

Mrs. Aline Sylvie Minko-Mi-Etoua, Secretary General of the Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation of the Gabonese Republic, highlighted the direct impact of digital policy decisions on citizens and businesses.

“Behind every text you examine are concrete issues: access to knowledge, economic opportunities and the protection of citizens’ data,” she emphasized. She called on delegates to ensure that recommendations are relevant, precise, practical and responsive to the realities of all African Union Member States, irrespective of their levels of development and available resources.

Representing the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Mr. Robert Lisinge stressed that Africa’s digital transformation must remain firmly anchored in the continent’s broader development priorities.

“Its success must be measured by the opportunities we create the services we improve and the people we reach,” he stated. He further emphasized that expanding connectivity must be accompanied by reliable infrastructure, affordable access, relevant digital services and practical digital skills.

The outgoing Chair, Mr. Kanono Ramashamole, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation of the Kingdom of Lesotho, highlighted the importance of unity, solidarity and consensus in advancing the continent’s shared priorities.

“Consensus among 55 Member States is neither easy nor automatic. It requires patience, mutual respect and a willingness to recognize that our collective African interests are greater than our individual differences,” he observed. He encouraged delegates to use the session as an opportunity to identify practical actions that can accelerate implementation and strengthen continental cooperation.

New Bureau Elected to Guide the Work of the 6th STC

Following the opening session, delegates elected a new Bureau of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT to guide the work of the 6th Ordinary Session.

The Bureau was constituted in accordance with the Committee’s Rules of Procedure, taking into account the principle of equitable geographical representation across the five regions of the African continent. The composition of the Bureau is as follows:

Chair: Ghana, Western Africa
First Vice-Chair: Kenya, Eastern Africa
Second Vice-Chair: North Africa, to be confirmed
Third Vice-Chair: Gabon, Central Africa
Rapporteur: Kingdom of Lesotho, Southern Africa

The election of the Bureau reflects the African Union’s commitment to inclusive governance, regional representation and collective leadership. The Bureau will guide the Committee’s deliberations, facilitate consensus among Member States and oversee the formulation of recommendations for consideration by the relevant African Union policy organs.

The 6th Ordinary Session of the STC-CICT provides an important platform for Member States to coordinate policies, strengthen cooperation and identify practical measures to accelerate the implementation of Africa’s digital transformation priorities.

As the continent navigates rapid technological change, the Committee’s deliberations are expected to contribute to continental strategies on digital transformation, communications infrastructure and emerging technologies, in alignment with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union’s strategic framework for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.

The outcomes of the session are expected to inform subsequent ministerial decisions and contribute to advancing Africa’s digital development through coordinated policies, strengthened institutional cooperation and inclusive access to digital opportunities.

For Media Inquiries:

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org