African nations adopt plan for cheaper internet, smartphones

African countries have adopted a new continental plan aimed at reducing the cost of internet access and smartphones while improving broadband coverage and digital inclusion.

The plan, known as the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, was adopted at the close of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Abuja on Friday.

It commits member states to make digital services more affordable, strengthen consumer protection and cybersecurity, and promote digital literacy among women, young people, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.

The declaration also urges governments to embrace technology-neutral regulations that allow fibre, mobile, satellite and community networks to work together in expanding access.

Speaking at the conference, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said Africa already knows what is needed to bridge its digital divide.

She said enabling policies, affordability and digital capacity remain the three pillars for achieving universal connectivity.

Bogdan-Martin noted that while mobile broadband covers 86 per cent of Africa’s population, only 36 per cent are online.

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She added that mobile data still consumes about 4.2 per cent of monthly household income in parts of the continent, while fixed broadband can cost more than 15 per cent.

She also said about $265 million in Universal Service Funds across 12 African countries had remained unused for 12 months, describing the funds as a possible source for closing last-mile connectivity gaps.

Also speaking, the Senior Director of Public Policy and Communications at GSMA Africa, Caroline Mbugua, said regulatory modernisation is central to the continent’s digital future.

She said reforms such as technology-neutral licensing, fair spectrum pricing and infrastructure sharing have helped countries improve broadband access and reduce prices.

Outgoing ATU Secretary-General John Omo said the ministerial declaration covers digital inclusion, infrastructure resilience, broadband expansion, technology neutrality, regulatory harmonisation, consumer protection and capacity building.

He said the document calls on member states, industry, academia and civil society to work together to deliver meaningful connectivity across Africa.

At the closing ceremony, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said Africa’s digital future depends on cooperation and shared commitment.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to digital infrastructure development, digital skills, responsible innovation and stronger participation in global digital governance.

Zambia’s Kezias Mwale was elected the next ATU secretary-general after four rounds of voting. He will assume office on January 1, 2027.