Africa Pushes for Stronger Internet Infrastructure Through New ATU-ICANN-ITU Collaboration
The move is expected to provide member states with practical pathways for implementation as African countries prepare for the next phase of internet growth and digital transformation.
African Telecommunications Union has announced a new regional technical collaboration partnership with Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers and the International Telecommunication Union aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure across Africa.
The announcement was made during the 2026 ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa held in Victoria Falls. ATU Secretary General John Omo joined Laurent Ferrali, Senior Director for Government and IGO Engagement at ICANN, and Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, to unveil the partnership focused on advancing internet infrastructure resilience and connectivity on the continent.
The collaboration builds on ongoing efforts by ATU, ICANN, and ITU to accelerate IPv6 deployment across Africa. Earlier this year, the organisations partnered with AFRALTI in Nairobi to train policy and technical experts from 30 African countries on IPv6 readiness, regulatory alignment, deployment strategies, and national transition roadmaps.
According to ATU, the initiative has now progressed into the deployment of IPv6 test-bed infrastructure in selected pilot countries. The move is expected to provide member states with practical pathways for implementation as African countries prepare for the next phase of internet growth and digital transformation.
The organisations said the partnership is designed to support the long-term resilience, scalability, and sustainability of Africa’s digital ecosystem. ATU added that it remains committed to working closely with member states and development partners to ensure the continent benefits from stronger, future-ready digital infrastructure.
