The African Union (AU) will convene the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (STC-CICT) from 26 to 29 October 2026 in Libreville, Gabon. The session will bring together Ministers, senior officials and experts to review implementation of continental communication and digital policies and consider measures to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.
Held under the theme “Africa’s Digital Future, Africa’s Voice: Advancing Innovation, Digital Inclusion and Shaping Africa’s Narrative,” the session comes amid growing global attention to digitalisation and the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies. It will provide an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s role in shaping technological development and governance, ensuring that continental priorities, perspectives and aspirations inform the evolving global digital agenda.
Highlighting the session’s significance for Africa’s digital transformation, H.E. Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, stated:
“The Libreville session is an opportunity to set a clear course for the next phase of Africa’s digital transformation. Guided by the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, we will review progress in artificial intelligence, data governance, digital identity and cybersecurity, and agree on concrete measures to accelerate implementation and strengthen Africa’s role in shaping the global digital agenda.”
The meeting will begin with the Experts’ Session from 26 to 28 October 2026, followed by the Ministerial Session on 29-30 October 2026. The STC-CICT provides technical and policy recommendations to the AU Executive Council and monitors implementation of continental programmes in its areas of responsibility. The Sixth Ordinary Session will review progress in implementing decisions of the previous ordinary and extraordinary sessions and elect a new Bureau in accordance with its rules of procedure.
A central focus will be implementation of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030). Delegates will assess progress, identify gaps and consider priorities for accelerating implementation during the remaining period to 2030, including stronger coordination, monitoring and accountability.
Discussions will also address implementation of the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the AU Data Policy Framework, including skills development, responsible governance and the use of data to support innovation and economic development. These discussions will examine how Africa can strengthen its capacity to develop and apply emerging technologies in ways that respond to its development needs.
Cybersecurity and personal data protection will feature prominently, alongside implementation of the Malabo Convention and efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and trust in digital services.
Digital Public Infrastructure, digital ID and connectivity as foundations for accessible services and an integrated African digital market, will also be considered during the sessions. This includes advancing digital infrastructure under the second Priority Action Plan of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP 2) and addressing barriers faced by women, girls, young people, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other underserved groups.
The theme also places Africa’s voice and narrative at the centre of discussions, highlighting the role of communication in advancing continental priorities and strengthening Africa’s participation in global debates on digital transformation.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to strengthen coordination among Member States, Regional Economic Communities, AU institutions and partners, and align technical and financial support with continental implementation priorities.
Calling for renewed commitment from Member States, the Commissioner added:
“Our priority is to translate continental commitments into tangible benefits for millions of Africans through an inclusive, secure digital transformation that supports sustainable development. I call upon all Member States to engage fully and renew their commitment to an integrated and prosperous digital Africa.”