Djibouti's Minister of Communication, Posts, and Telecommunications, Mohamed Abdulkadir Mousa Heil, participated in the 6th ordinary meeting of the African Union's Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and Information Technology (STC-CICT) in Libreville, Gabon. The meeting, which took place on October 29-30, 2026, brought together representatives from several African countries to discuss strategic directions for developing the digital sector in Africa.
The meeting focused on key issues such as artificial intelligence, data governance, digital identity, and cybersecurity. These areas were identified as crucial for building a safe and sustainable African digital system and enhancing the digital sovereignty of member states. The discussions highlighted the importance of developing regulatory and legislative frameworks, strengthening national capacities, and intensifying cooperation among African countries.
Artificial intelligence was a particular area of interest, given its potential to increase productivity, improve public service performance, and encourage innovation in various sectors. The meeting also emphasized the need for robust data governance to promote competitiveness, protect national sovereignty, and ensure the secure collection, management, and use of data.
The meeting provided a platform for participating delegations to share experiences, review progress in digital transformation, and identify common challenges. They also discussed proposals and recommendations to keep pace with rapid technological developments in Africa. The participants reviewed the implementation of decisions and recommendations from the previous session, held in Addis Ababa in November 2023.
The agenda included the election of a new bureau for the Specialized Technical Committee, allowing for the renewal of its leadership structures and enhanced coordination among member states on initiatives and programs to develop digital infrastructure and services in Africa. This session was particularly significant given the growing international competition in technology, digital infrastructure, and data.
For Djibouti, the minister's participation in the meeting provided an opportunity to enhance the country's presence in African forums on digital transformation, exchange experiences with sister and friendly countries, and contribute to shaping common visions for developing the communication and information technology sector at the continental level.
The meeting concluded on October 30, 2026, after two days of discussions and deliberations on priorities for digital transformation in Africa and prospects for enhancing cooperation and integration among African Union member states. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute to the development of the digital sector in Africa and promote cooperation among member states.
Key points
- Djibouti's participation in the 6th African Union committee meeting on communication and information technology.
- The meeting focused on key issues such as artificial intelligence, data governance, digital identity, and cybersecurity.
- The meeting provided a platform for participating delegations to share experiences and review progress in digital transformation.
