Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization, and Innovation, Mark-Alexandre Doumba, recently participated in a ministerial consultation of the African Union in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was dedicated to discussions on the governance of the International Telecommunication Union. This consultation served as a framework for exchanges in preparation for the high-level ministerial meeting of the African Union, scheduled for October 29-30, 2026, in Libreville.
The upcoming Libreville meeting will bring together African states to examine several key issues and define common positions. These issues include regulation of digital content, monetization of content for the benefit of African youth, relations with satellite internet service providers, and challenges related to infrastructure and the continent's digital transformation. Gabon's participation in this sequence reflects the state's commitment to contributing to discussions on global digital governance and promoting African priorities within international bodies.
The African Union meeting was attended by several high-profile personalities, including the Chair of the African Union's Ministerial Technical Committee and Lesotho's Minister of Communication, Science, and Technology, Nthati Moorosi. Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission, Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, as well as other personalities and delegations from the African Union. The meeting was held both in person and via videoconference.
These meetings are crucial in preparing for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, which will take place in Doha from November 9-27, 2026. During this conference, the 48 member states of the future ITU Council will be elected. Gabon's participation in these meetings is also linked to its candidacy for one of the seats on the ITU Council.
The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference is a significant event that brings together member states to discuss and make decisions on key issues related to telecommunications and information communication technology. The conference will provide an opportunity for countries to shape the future of global digital governance and address pressing issues in the sector.
The African Union's efforts to promote a unified African position on digital governance issues are reflected in the organization of these meetings. By engaging in discussions and defining common positions, African countries aim to strengthen their influence within international bodies and promote their priorities.
The upcoming ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and the African Union's high-level ministerial meeting will provide a platform for countries to address pressing issues related to digital governance, infrastructure, and the future of telecommunications. Gabon's active participation in these meetings demonstrates its commitment to shaping the future of digital governance and promoting African priorities.
Key points
- Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization, and Innovation, Mark-Alexandre Doumba, attended an African Union meeting in New York to prepare for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.
- The African Union meeting aimed to define common positions on key issues related to digital governance, including regulation of digital content and infrastructure.
- The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference will take place in Doha from November 9-27, 2026, and will elect the 48 member states of the future ITU Council.
