African Union Opens Sixth Session on Communication and ICT in Gabon By Osmara Digital Media

LIBREVILLE, Gabon, October 26, 2026 — The African Union Commission (AUC) has opened the sixth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and Information and Communications Technology (STC-CICT) in Libreville, Gabon, bringing together government officials, experts and partners to advance Africa’s digital transformation agenda.

Opening the session, Dr. Kamugisha Kazaura, Director of Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission, highlighted the importance of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in accelerating the continent’s digital development.

He emphasized that connectivity, secure data exchange and interoperability are essential 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,” Kazaura said, calling for practical technical recommendations to inform ministerial decisions.

Mrs. Aline Sylvie Minko-Mi-Etoua, Secretary General of Gabon’s Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation, urged delegates to ensure that digital policies respond to citizens’ and businesses’ needs.

She stressed that decisions on digital policy directly affect access to knowledge, economic opportunities and the protection of citizens’ data. She called for recommendations that are practical, precise and relevant to all African Union Member States, regardless of their development levels and available resources.

Representing the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Robert Lisinge said Africa’s digital transformation must remain aligned with broader development priorities.

He noted that progress should be measured by improved services, expanded opportunities and the number of people reached. He also emphasized the need for reliable infrastructure, affordable connectivity, relevant digital services and practical digital skills.

The outgoing chair, Kanono Ramashamole, Principal Secretary of Lesotho’s Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, called for unity, solidarity and consensus among Member States.

He observed that reaching agreement among 55 Member States requires patience, mutual respect and recognition of shared African interests.

New Bureau Elected Following the opening session, delegates elected a new Bureau to guide the committee’s work, in accordance with its rules of procedure and the principle of equitable geographical representation.

Ghana was elected Chair, Kenya First Vice-Chair, Gabon Third Vice-Chair and Lesotho Rapporteur. The Second Vice-Chair, representing North Africa, remains to be confirmed.

The Bureau will facilitate deliberations, promote consensus and oversee recommendations for consideration by relevant African Union policy organs.

The session provides a platform for coordinating continental policies and strengthening cooperation on communications infrastructure, digital transformation and emerging technologies.

Its outcomes are expected to inform ministerial decisions and support the implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.