Nigeria on Thursday placed its homegrown artificial intelligence initiative, N-ATLAS Umoja, at the centre of Africa’s digital future, as leaders at the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) 7th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26) called for a unified continental position on global telecommunications and AI governance.
Speaking at the opening session in Abuja, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the expansion of Nigeria’s AI model into a continental framework—N-ATLAS Umoja—represents a strategic effort to ensure Africa is not merely a consumer of emerging technologies but an active shaper of them.
Tijani explained that the initiative aims to develop large language models that reflect Africa’s linguistic diversity and cultural realities, noting that despite the continent accounting for nearly one-third of the world’s languages, fewer than two per cent are currently supported by modern AI systems.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that we are expanding this initiative into a continental framework—N-ATLAS Umoja—which will bring together governments, researchers, innovators and partners to ensure that Africa’s languages and knowledge systems are reflected in AI technologies,” he said.
He urged member states to key into the initiative, describing it as a major step toward building globally relevant AI systems rooted in African realities.
Beyond AI, the minister called on African countries to strengthen cooperation and present a common front in shaping global telecommunications policies, particularly ahead of key international engagements later in the year.
“At a time when digital technologies are shaping economies and societies at an unprecedented pace, our responsibility to work together has never been greater,” Tijani said.
Also addressing delegates, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said Africa must leverage initiatives like N-ATLAS Umoja alongside broader digital investments to secure its place in the global digital economy.
He described digital infrastructure—including broadband, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and secure networks—as critical to national development, comparable to traditional infrastructure such as roads and electricity.
“The competitiveness of nations and the opportunities available to our young people are increasingly determined by the strength of our digital ecosystems,” he said.
Shettima stressed that no African country can achieve meaningful digital transformation in isolation, calling for collaboration in areas such as connectivity, cybersecurity, AI governance, spectrum management and standards harmonisation.
He added that institutions like the ATU remain vital in coordinating Africa’s priorities and amplifying its voice globally.
“When Africa speaks with one voice, our influence is amplified and our collective interests are better protected,” he said, urging member states to build consensus ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference.
In her remarks, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, commended African countries for sustaining a common voice in global ICT and digital development discussions, while urging stronger commitment to funding and institutional support for the ATU.
She acknowledged the progress made by the union in recent years but warned that sustaining such gains would require increased financial contributions from member states.
“We cannot have a union without resources,” she said, stressing that member state contributions remain the bedrock of the organisation’s operations.
Bogdan-Martin also highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing Africa’s digital agenda, citing ongoing collaborations with international organisations to drive digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence and capacity building across the continent.
She noted that the conference would take critical decisions on the future direction of the union, including leadership, financing and strategic priorities, as well as Africa’s preparations for the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.
“Our duty is to take decisions that will ensure that every African benefits from the opportunities of digital transformation,” she said.
The ITU chief further praised Nigeria for successfully hosting the conference and supporting key partnership initiatives aimed at strengthening Africa’s digital ecosystem.
The ATU Secretary-General, in his address, also expressed appreciation to Nigeria and Algeria for their roles in sustaining the union’s activities, while calling for increased commitment from member states to enable the organisation deliver effectively in the next strategic cycle.
The conference, which also precedes leadership elections within the ATU, is expected to produce key resolutions that will guide Africa’s participation in global telecommunications governance.
Delegates emphasised that initiatives such as N-ATLAS Umoja signal a shift toward African-led innovation, with the potential to redefine the continent’s role in artificial intelligence and the broader digital economy.
The CPL-26 is expected to strengthen regional cooperation and lay the groundwork for a more connected, secure and technologically inclusive Africa.