Africa Adopts Algiers Declaration to Strengthen Telecom Sovereignty and Connectivity
A key highlight of the declaration is its recognition that the digital divide is not only a developmental issue but also a matter of sovereignty.
African ministers responsible for telecommunications, alongside key partners, have adopted the Algiers Declaration on African Telecommunications Sovereignty and Integrated Connectivity (2026–2030), marking a significant step toward strengthening the continent’s digital future.
Announced in Algiers by William Kabogo Gitau, the declaration underscores a unified continental stance that telecommunications infrastructure is no longer just a sectoral issue, but a strategic pillar for sovereignty, resilience, inclusion, and economic transformation.
The declaration outlines a set of shared commitments aimed at accelerating Africa’s digital progress. These include expanding meaningful and affordable connectivity to all citizens, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, and developing integrated infrastructure that connects terrestrial, submarine, and satellite networks across the continent.
It also prioritizes strengthening local digital ecosystems through investments in data centres, internet exchange points, and trusted cloud services, while emphasizing the protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure and the need to enhance cybersecurity resilience. Ministers further committed to promoting secure, interoperable digital systems and investing in human capital and local industries to ensure long-term digital sovereignty.
A key highlight of the declaration is its recognition that the digital divide is not only a developmental issue but also a matter of sovereignty. It stresses that efforts to bridge connectivity gaps must go hand in hand with building independent and resilient digital systems.
With the framework now in place, African leaders are expected to shift focus toward implementation, coordination, and measurable outcomes. The declaration signals a collective ambition to translate policy into tangible benefits for citizens, positioning Africa on a path toward a more connected, inclusive, and sovereign digital economy.
