GSMA Backs Abuja Declaration, Launches Pan-African AI Initiative to Boost Digital Inclusion
The GSMA has endorsed the Abuja Ministerial Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, describing it as a significant step towards accelerating the continent's digital transformation through evidence-based policies, investment-friendly regulation and stronger regional collaboration.
The declaration was adopted by ministers and heads of delegation during the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-2026) and commits African governments to promoting meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion, resilient digital infrastructure, technology-neutral regulation and locally relevant digital services.
According to the GSMA, the declaration also reinforces the importance of collaboration between governments, industry and development partners to bridge Africa's persistent connectivity and internet usage gaps.
Throughout the conference, the mobile industry body engaged governments, regulators and industry stakeholders to advance practical policy reforms, evidence-based research and collaborative initiatives aimed at expanding digital access across the continent.
Speaking at the ATU-GSMA African ICT Regulatory Leaders' Forum, policymakers and regulators examined how harmonised regulations, evidence-based policymaking and future-ready regulatory frameworks can stimulate investment, foster innovation and drive sustainable digital growth.
The discussions also explored technology-neutral approaches to satellite regulation, with participants drawing insights from the GSMA Digital Africa Index on how flexible licensing frameworks can extend connectivity to underserved and remote communities.
Senior Director for Public Policy, Africa at GSMA, Caroline Mbugua, said the Abuja Declaration demonstrates a shared continental commitment to building an inclusive digital future.
"The Abuja Ministerial Declaration sends an important signal that African governments share a common vision for delivering meaningful connectivity through modern, evidence-based and investment-friendly policy. Its emphasis on digital inclusion, technology-neutral regulation, resilient infrastructure and stronger regional collaboration reflects the practical policy foundations needed to accelerate Africa's digital transformation," she said.
In support of the declaration's objectives, the GSMA and several African governments and technology organisations launched ATLAS Umoja AI, a new pan-African initiative designed to strengthen collaboration in the development of artificial intelligence for African languages.
The initiative brings together Nigeria, Kenya, Togo, Namibia and Benin, alongside organisations including Awarri, Zindi, Pawa AI and Mozisha, to build trusted and scalable AI solutions that reflect Africa's linguistic diversity, cultures and development priorities.
Designed to complement existing national AI programmes, ATLAS Umoja AI will enable governments, researchers and industry players to share datasets, technical expertise and best practices to accelerate innovation and strengthen Africa's AI ecosystem.
The initiative also aims to attract investment while promoting the development of African-language AI applications capable of expanding digital inclusion across the continent.
GSMA's Head of Africa, Angela Wamola, said ensuring AI is available in local languages is essential to increasing internet adoption and closing Africa's digital divide.
"Africa's AI future must reflect Africa's own languages, communities and development priorities. Africa Umoja brings together governments, industry, researchers and innovators to build African-language AI at scale. By making AI and digital services available in the languages people speak every day, the initiative will help tackle two of the biggest barriers to internet adoption: digital literacy and locally relevant content, supporting efforts to close Africa's usage gap and expand meaningful connectivity across the continent," she said.
Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, described artificial intelligence as a defining technology for Africa's future and stressed the need for solutions rooted in African languages and knowledge systems.
"Artificial intelligence will be a defining technology for Africa's future, but its benefits must be built on our own languages, cultures and knowledge systems. Nigeria is proud to have taken the first step through N-ATLAS and is equally proud to see that vision evolve into the continental ATLAS Umoja AI," he said.
He added that continental collaboration would help develop AI that is more inclusive, accessible and capable of driving innovation, education and economic growth while strengthening Africa's digital sovereignty.
Founder and CEO of Awarri, Silas Adekunle, said the initiative presents an opportunity to build AI systems specifically designed for African communities by leveraging local talent and African-language data.
Similarly, Zindi Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Celina Lee said the continent's AI future must be driven by African researchers, developers and innovators who best understand local challenges and opportunities.
She noted that ATLAS Umoja AI would strengthen national AI capabilities while ensuring African-language AI is developed by Africans for Africans.
Beyond the AI initiative, the GSMA continued engagements with policymakers during the ATU Conference on issues including satellite connectivity, spectrum management and technology-neutral licensing.
Using its Satellite Regulatory Playbook as a guide, the organisation advocated regulatory frameworks that encourage investment, expand connectivity and support the objectives outlined in the Abuja Ministerial Declaration.
According to the GSMA, the Abuja Declaration, the launch of ATLAS Umoja AI and ongoing collaboration between governments, regulators and industry represent a major step towards expanding meaningful connectivity, accelerating digital inclusion and unlocking Africa's digital potential.
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