African Union to Review Digital Strategy as Ministers Meet in Gabon

The African Union will review progress on its continental digital strategy and consider measures to accelerate implementation of policies on artificial intelligence, data governance, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure at a meeting in Gabon next week.

The Sixth Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (STC-CICT) will take place in Libreville from October 26 to 30, 2026, bringing together ministers, senior government officials and technical experts to assess digital policy implementation and set priorities for the coming years.

The meeting comes as African governments seek to expand digital access, strengthen data governance and build capacity to develop and deploy emerging technologies. Discussions will focus on implementing the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, which runs from 2020 to 2030.

Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, the AU commissioner for infrastructure and energy, said the meeting would review progress in artificial intelligence, data governance, digital identity and cybersecurity, and seek measures to accelerate implementation.

The committee will also examine the implementation of the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the AU Data Policy Framework, including skills development, responsible technology governance and the use of data to support innovation and economic development.

Cybersecurity and personal data protection will feature prominently, alongside implementation of the Malabo Convention, the AU’s framework on cybersecurity and personal data protection. Delegates will consider ways to strengthen institutional capacity and public trust in digital services.

Digital public infrastructure, digital identity systems and connectivity will also be on the agenda, with discussions covering their role in expanding access to public services and supporting an integrated African digital market. The meeting will consider digital infrastructure priorities under the second Priority Action Plan of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

The committee is also expected to address barriers to digital access facing women, girls, young people, people with disabilities, rural communities and other underserved groups.

Under the theme “Africa’s Digital Future, Africa’s Voice: Advancing Innovation, Digital Inclusion and Shaping Africa’s Narrative”, the session will consider Africa’s participation in international discussions on digital governance and technological development.

The meeting will begin with an experts’ session from October 26 to 28, followed by a ministerial session scheduled for October 29 and 30. Delegates will review decisions from previous ordinary and extraordinary sessions and elect a new bureau.

The committee provides technical and policy recommendations to the AU Executive Council and monitors the implementation of continental programmes within its remit.

Mataboge called on member states to renew their commitment to an inclusive and secure digital transformation, saying the priority was to translate continental agreements into tangible benefits for Africans.

Source: FSX Business News