Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has been unanimously elected chairperson of the African Union’s Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (STC-CICT) for a two-year term.

His appointment was confirmed at a ministerial meeting in Libreville, Gabon, in October 2026, where he pledged to work with member states to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.

George said his priority would be to build consensus among African countries and ensure that existing digital strategies translate into tangible results.

Sam George calls for African control over data and AI development

“Africa does not lack strategies. What we have too often lacked is a collective will to implement them at the pace that our people demand,” he said.

He identified connectivity, data governance, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as key areas requiring coordinated efforts among member states.

The minister also called for African countries to strengthen their collective voice in global digital trade and technology governance, arguing that the continent must play an active role in shaping international technology policies.

He stressed that Africa should move beyond being a consumer of foreign innovations and become more involved in determining the rules governing emerging technologies.

George succeeds Lesotho’s outgoing chairperson and will lead the committee for two years, beginning in October 2026.

His chairmanship is expected to provide an opportunity for Ghana to work with other African countries to advance shared priorities in communication and information and communication technology.

The committee brings together African Union member states to coordinate policies and initiatives in communication and ICT, with the broader goal of supporting the continent’s digital development.

NA/VPO