Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda following a high-level meeting of African delegations convened by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) on the sidelines of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar.
Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said Kenya would support a unified African position during the conference, particularly on emerging technology, equitable access to digital resources and strengthening the continent’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Kabogo, who joined fellow African Heads of Delegation at the meeting, said African countries had concluded months of preparations with the adoption of 50 African Common Proposals during a meeting held in Abidjan in September.
“I joined fellow African Heads of Delegation at the meeting convened by the African Telecommunications Union on the margins of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha,”he said in a statement.
The proposals cover key areas including artificial intelligence, equitable access to radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, regional representation, digital infrastructure resilience and the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the 2030 Agenda.
According to Kabogo, the proposals followed preparations that began in July 2024, with each proposal assigned an African lead coordinator to facilitate implementation and coordination during the international conference.
The ATU is also expected to hold daily coordination meetings throughout the conference to harmonise Africa’s position and strengthen the continent’s representation in discussions and decision-making.
Kenya has also secured continental backing for one of its representatives, with Dominic Ooko of the Communications Authority of Kenya proposed as Chair of Committee 3 on Budget Control.
Kabogo said Kenya would work alongside other African delegations to advance the common proposals and ensure the continent speaks with one voice on matters affecting its digital future.
The conference provides African countries with an opportunity to influence international telecommunications policies, particularly as artificial intelligence, satellite connectivity and digital infrastructure become increasingly important to economic development.
Kenya’s participation comes as countries continue to negotiate global frameworks governing telecommunications, spectrum allocation and the development of inclusive digital economies.
