African nations adopt plan for cheaper internet, smartphones in Nigeria

African nations have adopted a new declaration committing to cheaper internet access, affordable smartphones, and technology-neutral regulations as part of a continent-wide strategy to expand meaningful digital connectivity and accelerate economic growth. The 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa aims to improve digital affordability, expand access to broadband infrastructure, strengthen consumer protection and cybersecurity, and promote digital literacy. The declaration was adopted at the close of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Abuja, Nigeria.

African countries have come together to adopt a new declaration committing to cheaper internet access, affordable smartphones, and technology-neutral regulations. 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, Nigeria. This development matters because it represents a continent-wide strategy to expand meaningful digital connectivity and accelerate economic growth.

The adoption of the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa is part of a broader effort to address the digital divide in Africa. The declaration commits member states to improving digital affordability, expanding access to broadband infrastructure, strengthening consumer protection and cybersecurity, and promoting digital literacy. This commitment is in line with the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Global Connectivity Report 2025, which highlights the importance of enabling policies, affordability, and digital capacity for achieving universal connectivity.

The adoption of the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa has significant implications for African countries. The declaration's commitment to technology-neutral regulations is particularly noteworthy, as it has been shown to promote healthy market competition, lower prices, and expand coverage. However, the declaration also highlights the need for regulatory modernisation, which is essential for enabling digital connectivity and promoting economic growth. Furthermore, the declaration's emphasis on digital literacy and consumer protection underscores the importance of addressing the skills gap and ensuring that Africans have access to affordable and reliable internet services.

The adoption of the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa is a significant development for African countries. The declaration's commitment to cheaper internet access, affordable smartphones, and technology-neutral regulations has the potential to expand meaningful digital connectivity and accelerate economic growth. Practitioners should take note of this development and consider how it may impact their work in promoting digital connectivity and addressing the skills gap in Africa.