The Federal Government has called for stronger regional cooperation among African countries to bridge the continent’s digital divide, saying greater collaboration is needed to expand connectivity, strengthen cybersecurity, harmonise digital policies and build an inclusive digital economy.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, made the call on Thursday at the Special Session of the Administrative Council of the African Telecommunications Union in Abuja.
Gagare, who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Human Resource Management, Ahmed Alsukun, said African countries must work together to tackle shared digital challenges ahead of key continental and global telecommunications meetings.
He said, “We believe that regional cooperation is essential if Africa is to build a strong, inclusive, and innovative digital economy. Working together, we can expand connectivity, improve digital infrastructure, promote digital skills, strengthen cybersecurity, protect data and create opportunities for our people, especially our youth.”
The permanent secretary said the special session was taking place at a critical period as African countries prepared for the forthcoming ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries.
