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Ruth Butaumocho, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

The fifth Ordinary session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT, a biennial African Union meeting for Information and Communicating Technology Ministers ended here yesterday (Thursday) with member states committing to promote the nexus between digitalization, climate change, infrastructural development and energy as Africa accelerates digital transformation.

The commitment is contained in a draft declaration report, which would be pushed for adoption by member states through their heads of state once they have gone through it and make recommendations to the continental steering committee that was set up during the meeting.

Zimbabwe was represented by Information Communication Technology Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera at the biennial meeting.

She commended the spirit of openness and cordiality that prevailed during the meeting.

The draft declaration is requesting member states among other issues to support the implementation of continental strategies and frameworks adopted by the African Union policy organs, develop national child online safety and empowerment policy in line with the continental data policy framework and also enhance capacity-building programmes on ICT’s and cybersecurity in the continent.

On the other hand, the same draft declaration also requires the African Union to support member states in domesticating the data policy framework and developing national data governance systems and capabilities.

Earlier in the week, participants said rapid pace of technological innovation and the increase in volume of online services required adaptive policy and regulation.

Addressing the 5th Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Communication and ICT today, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regional director for Africa Anne-Rachel Inne said digital transformation was central to the work of the ITU and aligns with its strategic goals of universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.

“In partnership with governments, the private sector, academia, development partners and various stakeholders, ITU continues to provide extensive guidance in the development of digital policies and strategies, regulatory environments, global standards, best practices to drive innovation and increase access to digital services by all.”

Highlighting that change was needed in policy and regulation, she said regulatory expertise needed to be developed continuously to integrate new technologies, competencies and skills to allow for data and evidence-based decision-making.

“We all recognize and appreciate how quickly technology advances and as such regulatory frameworks need to evolve and adapt to remain effective and ensure that they are functioning as intended new overlapping emergencies call for a strategic approach to digital policy.”

Also in attendance was the Pan African Postal Union secretary general, Dr Sifundo Chief Moyo.