GSMA Endorses Abuja Declaration for Africa's Digital Future

The Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) has endorsed the Abuja Ministerial Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, which was adopted by ministers during the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-2026) held in Abuja. This declaration commits African governments to policies that foster meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion, technology-neutral regulation, resilient digital infrastructure, and the development of locally relevant digital services.

Caroline Mbugua, Senior Director of Public Policy for Africa at GSMA, stated that the declaration reflects a unified commitment among African governments to enhance connectivity through modern, evidence-based policies. The GSMA aims to collaborate with governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders to implement the declaration, focusing on expanding digital access and strengthening infrastructure.

Additionally, the GSMA, alongside various ministries from Nigeria, Togo, Kenya, Namibia, and Benin, announced the ATLAS Umoja AI initiative to enhance collaboration on African language AI, complementing national AI programs.