Gabon is seeking to strengthen Africa’s role in global digital governance as the country prepares for upcoming discussions on International Telecommunication Union governance.
Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation Mark-Alexandre Doumba participated in a high-level African Union ministerial consultation on ITU governance on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The discussions focused on preparations for an African ministerial meeting scheduled for October 29 and 30 in Libreville. African states are expected to work towards common positions on key digital issues affecting the continent.
Among the issues expected to feature are digital content regulation, the monetisation of digital content for African youth and relations with satellite internet service providers.
The consultations come ahead of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, PP-26, which will take place from November 9 to 27, 2026, in Doha, Qatar.
PP-26 will also elect 48 Member States to serve on the next ITU Council, which plays a role in guiding the organisation’s work on international telecommunications and digital policy.
Gabon is a candidate for a seat on the ITU Council and has said it intends to contribute to discussions shaping international digital governance while promoting African priorities within global digital institutions.
The consultation process is expected to continue from New York to Libreville and then Doha, creating platforms for African states to coordinate positions on issues linked to the continent’s digital development.
Gabon’s participation forms part of broader efforts by African countries to strengthen coordination and representation in international digital governance discussions.
