Ghana has secured a prominent role in shaping Africa’s digital future after its Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, was appointed Chair of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (AU STC-ICT).
The appointment was confirmed at the committee’s 6th Ordinary Session in Libreville, Gabon, positioning Ghana at the centre of continental policy discussions on connectivity, artificial intelligence, data governance and cybersecurity.
A mandate for implementation
George said his two-year chairmanship would focus on deepening cooperation among AU member states and accelerating the continent’s digital transformation. He argued that Africa’s challenge is no longer the absence of policy, but the slow transition from policy formulation to execution.
“African countries must move from developing digital policies to implementing them,” he said, noting that the continent already has frameworks on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and data governance.
Priorities for Africa’s digital agenda
The new chair identified connectivity, data governance, cybersecurity and AI as priority areas requiring coordinated action across the continent. He also stressed the need for Africa to build a stronger collective voice in global conversations on AI, data and digital trade.
George further emphasised the importance of preparing Africa’s youthful population for the digital economy. He pointed to Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme as an example of an initiative designed to equip young people with digital skills and innovation opportunities.
Ghana’s continental role
During his tenure, the minister said he would prioritise consensus-building, closer collaboration among member states and the delivery of continental digital initiatives. He also called for progress towards a more integrated African digital market and a unified African position in international technology negotiations.
Ghana’s chairmanship comes at a time when African governments are seeking to expand digital access, strengthen cyber defences, promote responsible AI development and ensure that digital resources contribute more directly to economic and social development.
