Nigeria has called on African countries to deepen collaboration to accelerate the growth of the continent’s digital economy.

The call was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, during the 7th Special Session of the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) held on Wednesday in Abuja. Gagare was represented by a director in the ministry, Ahmed Alsukun.

He said stronger regional cooperation is crucial to building a digital economy that is inclusive, innovative and capable of creating opportunities for Africa’s growing youth population.

According to him, greater collaboration among African nations would improve connectivity, strengthen digital infrastructure, promote digital skills, enhance cybersecurity, safeguard data and unlock new economic opportunities across the continent.

Gagare added that a more united Africa would have a stronger voice in global decision making and be better positioned to protect the continent’s interests.

Also speaking, Chairperson of the ATU Administrative Council, Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, said African countries must adopt ICT driven strategies to build economic resilience.

She noted that Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including digital identity and electronic payment systems, is essential for enabling secure transactions and seamless interactions across the region.

Jordan-Dyani commended Nigeria’s efforts in digitising public institutions and encouraged other African nations to replicate the country’s progress.

Earlier, ATU Secretary-General John Omo described the special session as a key part of preparations for the organisation’s conference. He stressed that the union’s proposals would only achieve their intended impact when they are adopted as legal instruments and fully implemented.

Omo added that the progress made so far was the result of collective efforts and urged member states to work together to successfully conclude the process.