African states have agreed on 46 common proposals ahead of the International Telecommunication Union’s Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, in a move aimed at strengthening the continent’s position in global discussions on telecommunications and digital policy.
The proposals were finalized during the fourth and final African preparatory meeting for the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, held in Abidjan from Sept. 14 to 17.
Roger Adom, chairman of Côte d’Ivoire’s Telecommunications and ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), said the agreement demonstrated Africa’s ability to present a common position at the Doha conference.
“We are convinced that Africa will speak with one voice in Doha,” Adom said, while thanking the African delegations for their participation in the three-day discussions.
The 46 proposals include 38 amendments to existing resolutions, two new resolutions and six resolutions maintained without changes. The agreements follow a preparatory process that began in Windhoek, Namibia, in July 2024 and included more than 500 online working-group meetings and four in-person preparatory sessions.
More than half of the resolutions remained unresolved when the Abidjan meeting opened, according to the organizers. All outstanding proposals were addressed and adopted during the three-day session.
The African Union of Telecommunications (ATU) called on member states to remain actively involved in the next stages of the process. ATU Secretary-General-elect Kezia Moalle said African countries should participate in an interregional preparatory meeting scheduled for Saudi Arabia on Oct. 13 and 14.
Further drafting adjustments and the prioritization of resolutions are expected to be completed before the Oct. 19 deadline set by the ITU.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Côte d’Ivoire to promote its candidacy for a seat on the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term. Adom called on African and partner countries to support the Ivorian bid.
The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference will take place in Doha, Qatar, from Nov. 9 to 27, 2026. The conference is expected to address key issues shaping the future of global telecommunications and information and communication technologies.