Can Africa become a creator of the technologies shaping the global economy rather than remain primarily a consumer of innovations developed elsewhere? The African Union is placing this question at the centre of its digital transformation agenda, with renewed attention on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, innovation and the continent’s participation in global technology governance.
The discussions formed part of the African Union’s Sixth Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and Information and Communication Technology, held in Libreville, Gabon, from October 26 to 29, 2026. The meeting brought together ministers, government representatives, experts and regional institutions to advance Africa’s digital priorities.
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Under the theme, Africa’s Digital Future, Africa’s Voice: Advancing Innovation, Digital Inclusion and a Stronger African Union Brand, the discussions highlighted the importance of developing technological capabilities that reflect the continent’s economic and social priorities.
Artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for Africa. In agriculture, it can support weather forecasting, crop monitoring and productivity improvements. In healthcare, it can strengthen disease surveillance and assist service delivery. In financial services, it can improve fraud detection, customer access and risk assessment.
However, capturing these opportunities requires more than adopting technologies developed elsewhere. African countries need reliable electricity, affordable internet, computing infrastructure, research institutions, skilled professionals and effective data-governance systems.
The African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020–2030 provides a continental framework for advancing these priorities. Its broader objectives include expanding connectivity, developing digital skills, strengthening digital services and supporting an integrated African digital market.
The development of African artificial intelligence capabilities is particularly important for language inclusion. Technologies trained on local languages and African contexts could make digital services more accessible while creating opportunities for local researchers, developers and technology companies.
Cybersecurity and data protection are equally important. As governments and businesses become increasingly dependent on digital platforms, protecting personal information and critical infrastructure will be essential to building public confidence.
The Libreville meeting also addressed digital public infrastructure, interoperable systems and Africa’s participation in international technology discussions.
Nevertheless, implementation remains a significant challenge. Unequal access to infrastructure, limited research funding and shortages of specialised talent could widen the technological divide between African countries.
Digital independence should not mean isolation from international partnerships. It should mean developing the capacity to participate in those partnerships from a position of greater strength, protect African interests and retain more value from technological innovation.
For Africa, the opportunity is to move beyond digital adoption towards technological creation. The continent’s future competitiveness will increasingly depend on its ability to develop homegrown solutions, strengthen its innovation ecosystem and ensure that digital transformation produces opportunities across its economies.
