Djibouti's Minister Helem Represents Country at ITU Plenipotentiary Conference

Djibouti's Minister of Communication, Mohamed Abdoulkader Moussa Helem, led the country's delegation to the Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Doha, Qatar. The conference, also known as PP-26, is the highest authority of the ITU, bringing together representatives from its member states. As the country's representative, Minister Helem reaffirmed Djibouti's commitment to an "inclusive, sovereign, and resilient" digital transformation, aligning with the national vision Djibouti Vision 2035.

During his intervention, Minister Helem highlighted Djibouti's progress in the telecommunications sector and outlined the country's priorities, including cybersecurity, connectivity, protection of critical infrastructure, and responsible governance of artificial intelligence. These areas are crucial for Djibouti's development, given its strategic location and role as a regional digital hub. The minister's participation in the conference demonstrates Djibouti's engagement with international efforts to shape the future of telecommunications and digital technologies.

On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Helem held meetings with his counterparts from Brunei, Algeria, and Kenya, as well as with the president of Qatar's communication institutions and the chairman of Al Jazeera's Board of Directors. These discussions aimed to strengthen cooperation and institutional relationships between the countries. The minister emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty, stating that it is a major strategic issue that determines a nation's independence, competitiveness, and ability to control its future.

Djibouti has made significant strides in developing its digital infrastructure, with 70% of its population having internet access, 350 km of fiber-optic cables, and 95% mobile coverage. The country hosts several undersea cables connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia, solidifying its position as a regional digital hub. Minister Helem's participation in the ITU conference underscores Djibouti's commitment to leveraging its strategic location to drive growth and development.

The Plenipotentiary Conference of the ITU is a critical platform for shaping the future of telecommunications and digital technologies. As a member of the ITU, Djibouti is actively engaged in international efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation. By participating in the conference and engaging with other countries, Djibouti aims to strengthen its partnerships and stay at the forefront of digital innovation.

Minister Helem's message on Facebook highlighted the significance of digital sovereignty, emphasizing that it is essential for a nation's independence, competitiveness, and ability to control its future. This statement reflects Djibouti's commitment to ensuring that its digital infrastructure and technologies are aligned with its national interests and priorities. By prioritizing digital sovereignty, Djibouti aims to create a secure and resilient digital environment that supports its economic and social development.

The outcome of Minister Helem's participation in the ITU conference is expected to contribute to Djibouti's ongoing efforts to develop its digital sector. By engaging with international partners and stakeholders, Djibouti aims to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in telecommunications and digital innovation. This will enable the country to harness the potential of digital technologies to drive growth, improve living standards, and enhance its global competitiveness.

Key points

• Djibouti's Minister of Communication, Mohamed Abdoulkader Moussa Helem, attends ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar, to represent the country's interests in digital transformation and telecommunications.