The capital city of Gabon, Libreville, is hosting the 6th ordinary session of the African Union's Specialized Committee on Communication and Information and Communication Technologies (CTS-CTIC) from October 26-30, 2026. The event, taking place at the Palais des Congrès de la Cité de la Démocratie, brings together experts and ministers from across the continent to discuss and set priorities for Africa's digital transformation.
The session, organized by the African Union Commission's Department of Infrastructure and Energy in collaboration with the Gabonese government, focuses on the theme "Africa's Digital Future, Africa's Voice: Promoting Digital Innovation and Inclusion and Shaping the African Narrative." The meeting aims to strengthen Africa's voice in global digital governance, covering topics such as connectivity, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
The session is divided into two segments: experts' meetings from October 26-28, followed by a ministerial segment on October 29-30. The opening ceremonies of both segments are open to the press, while working sessions are closed to the public. A press conference is scheduled for October 30, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm local time.
According to the African Union, the session will enable member states to agree on policy priorities for digital transformation and communication. Key areas of discussion include extending connectivity, strengthening safe and reliable digital services, and promoting responsible development of artificial intelligence. Participants will review several projects, including the implementation of the 2020-2030 African Digital Transformation Strategy and regional digital integration programs.
The meeting also aims to promote digital inclusion, with a focus on developing skills in artificial intelligence, increasing women's participation, and supporting innovation and startups. The African Union's Continental Strategy on AI will be examined, along with a draft action plan, financing and investment plans, and governance guidelines.
One of the key objectives of the meeting is to strengthen Africa's position in international processes governing artificial intelligence and the internet. A ministerial dialogue, "The Road to Doha," will prepare the continent's participation in the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. The session is expected to conclude with the election of a new CTS-CTIC bureau and the adoption of a ministerial declaration.
The meeting brings together ministers and senior experts responsible for communication, ICTs, and postal services from African Union member states, as well as representatives from regional economic communities, specialized institutions, development partners, and media organizations. The African Union's development partners and organizations, such as AUDA-NEPAD, the African Telecommunications Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, are also in attendance.
Key points
- The 6th session of the African Union's Specialized Committee on Communication and ICT aims to set priorities for Africa's digital transformation and strengthen the continent's voice in global digital governance.
