Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has been unanimously elected Chairperson of the African Union’s Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and Information and Communications Technology (AU STC-CICT) for a two-year tenure commencing in October 2026.
His election, confirmed during the committee’s ministerial session in Libreville, Gabon, marks a significant milestone for Ghana and positions the country to play a leading role in shaping Africa’s digital transformation agenda. The chairmanship is expected to strengthen continental collaboration in cybersecurity, digital innovation and the advancement of Africa’s interests in the increasingly competitive global digital economy.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr George described the appointment as a collective responsibility to the African Union rather than an achievement or privilege exclusive to Ghana. He expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Gabon for hosting the meeting and acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing chairperson, Lesotho’s Minister for Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation, Nthati Morosi, and her bureau for their leadership and service.
The Ghanaian minister pledged to consolidate the committee’s achievements while prioritising the practical implementation of Africa’s digital development policies. He emphasised that the continent must move beyond policy formulation and declarations towards measurable progress in addressing its technological challenges.
He identified connectivity, data governance, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) as key areas requiring urgent attention and stronger cooperation among member states. According to him, Africa must improve access to reliable digital infrastructure, ensure its data resources generate meaningful benefits for its people, strengthen collective efforts against cyber threats and promote the development of AI systems that respond to the continent’s unique needs and priorities.
Addressing Africa’s position in the global technology industry, Mr George called for a common continental position in international discussions and negotiations on artificial intelligence, data governance and digital trade. He argued that Africa’s collective influence, representing a population of nearly 1.5 billion people, must be strategically harnessed to shape global technology standards and policies.
He cautioned against allowing individual African countries to engage global technology powers from fragmented and weaker negotiating positions, insisting that the continent must speak with one voice to protect its interests.
“Africa must be at the table, not on the menu,” he declared, underscoring the need for greater unity and coordination in determining the future of the global digital economy.
Mr George also cited Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme as an example of initiatives aimed at preparing young people for opportunities in the global technology industry through digital skills development. He indicated that his leadership of the committee would be guided by consultation, consensus-building and a strong commitment to translating agreed policies into concrete results.
He stressed that the success of the committee’s two-year mandate should not be measured by the number of declarations adopted but by the practical impact of its decisions on the lives of Africans.
Ghana’s chairmanship comes at a crucial period in Africa’s digital development, as countries across the continent intensify efforts to close the digital divide, expand infrastructure, improve data governance and maximise the opportunities presented by emerging technologies.
The unanimous endorsement of Mr George is therefore expected to strengthen Ghana’s contribution to continental digital policy and provide an opportunity to advance a more coordinated African approach to technological development, while amplifying the continent’s voice in global digital governance discussions.
