| No. | Sections |
| 1. | Country Information |
| 2. | Venue of the Event |
| 3. | Country Information |
| 4. | Registration |
| 5. | Visa and Entry Information for Nigeria |
| 6. | Transportation |
| 7. | Health Requirements |
| 8. | Recommended Hotels |
| 9. | City Information |
| 10. | Local Time/ Timezone |
| No. | Sections |
| 11. | Climate |
| 12. | Language Details |
| 13. | Driving in Abuja |
| 14. | Water |
| 15. | Electrical Points in Abuja |
| 16. | Telecommunications |
| 17. | Banking and Business Hours |
| 18. | Currency |
Please fill out the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s health declaration guideline form by clicking here.
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE ATU ADMINSTRATIVE COUNCIL
Abuja, Nigeria
16th to 17th July, 2026
| Item | Agenda Item | Document |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Official Opening Session | — |
| 2 | Adoption of Agenda | SS-AC/07/D01 |
| 3 | Adoption of the Draft Work Programme | SS-AC/07/D02 |
| 4 | Consideration of the Report of the Special Meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee | SS-AC/07/D03 |
| 5 | Review of the Final Council Report on Amendments of the Basic Instruments of the Union | SS-AC/07/D04 |
| 6 | Consideration of the Draft Report of the Administrative Council on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 | SS-AC/07/D05 |
| 7 | Consideration of Draft Agenda of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) | SS-AC/07/D06 |
| 8 | Consideration of Draft Work Programme of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) | SS-AC/07/D07 |
| 9 | Noting of Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) | SS-AC/07/D08 |
| 10 | Consideration of Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) | SS-AC/07/D09 |
| 11 | Consideration of Draft Work Programme of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) | SS-AC/07/D10 |
| 12 | Noting of Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) | SS-AC/07/D11 |
| 13 | Any Other Business | — |
| 14 | Adoption of the Report of the Special Session of the Council | SS-AC/07/D12 |
| 15 | Closing Session | — |
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE ATU ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL
Abuja, Nigeria.
16 – 17 July, 2026
Agenda Item 03
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 16 July 2026 – Day 1 | |
| 08:30 – 09:30 | Registration of all Delegates |
| 09:30 – 10:15 | Official Opening Session |
| 10:15 – 10:45 | Health Break & Photo Session |
| 10:45 – 13:00 | • Adoption of Agenda (SS-AC/07/D01) • Adoption of Draft Work Programme (SS-AC/07/D02) • Report of the Special Meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee (SS-AC/07/D03) |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | • Noting of the Final Council Report on Amendments of the Basic Instruments of the Union (SS-AC/07/D04) • Draft Report of the Administrative Council on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 (SS-AC/07/D05) • Draft Agenda of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D06) • Draft Work Programme of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D07) |
| 16:00 – 16:15 | Health Break |
| 16:15 – 17:30 | • Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D08) • Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D09) • Draft Work Programme of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D10) • Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D11) • Any Other Business |
| Friday, 17 July 2026 – Day 2 | |
| 09:00 – 10:15 | Preparation of the Final Report |
| 10:15 – 10:30 | Health Break |
| 10:30 – 13:00 | Preparation of the Final Report (Continued) |
| 13:00 – 14:45 | Lunch Break |
| 14:45 – 16:30 | Adoption of the Report of the Special Session of the Council (SS-AC/07/D12) |
| 16:30 – 17:30 | Closing Session |
7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE CONFERENCE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE
Abuja, Nigeria
20–21 July 2026
| Item | Agenda Item | Document |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opening Session | — |
| 2 | Election of the Bureau | CPC/07/D01 |
| 3 | Adoption of the Draft Agenda | CPC/07/D02 |
| 4 | Adoption of the Draft Work Schedule | CPC/07/D03 |
| 5 | Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) | CPC/07/D04 |
| 6 | Appointment of the Credentials Committee | CPC/07/D05 |
| 7 | Consideration of the Report of the Administrative Council to CPC on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 | CPC/07/D06 |
| 8 | Noting of the Report of African Preparations for ITU PP-26 | CPC/07/D07 |
| 9 | Consideration of the Draft CPL-2026 Resolutions and Decisions | CPC/07/D08 |
| 10 | Consideration of the Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries | CPC/07/D09 |
| 11 | Consideration of the Draft Work Schedule of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries | CPC/07/D10 |
| 12 | Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) | CPC/07/D11 |
| 13 | Consideration of the Interim Report of the Credentials Committee | CPC/07/D12 |
| 14 | Consideration of the Communique for the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) | CPC/07/D13 |
| 15 | Any Other Business | — |
| 16 | Meeting of Heads of African Regulatory Agencies | — |
| 17 | Adoption of the Report and Recommendations of the Conference Preparatory Committee to CPL-26 | CPC/07/D14 |
| 18 | Vote of Thanks | CPC/07/D15 |
| 19 | Closing Session | — |
7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE
PREPARATORY COMMITTEE (CPC-26)
Abuja, Nigeria, 20 to 21 July, 2026
Agenda Item 8
Draft Work Programme
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| Monday, 20 July 2026 | |
| 08:30 – 11:00 | 1. Registration 2. Opening Session 3. Election of the Bureau (CPC/07/D01) 4. Adoption of the Draft Agenda of CPC (CPC/07/D02) 5. Adoption of the Draft Work Programme of CPC (CPC/07/D03) 6. Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the CPC (CPC/07/D04) 7. Appointment of the Credentials Committee (CPC/07/D05) |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Health Break |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | 8. Consideration of the Report of the Administrative Council to CPC on the Activities of the Union for the Period 2023–2026 (CPC/07/D06) |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | 9. Noting of the Report of African Preparations for ITU PP-26 (CPC/07/D07) 10. Consideration of the Draft CPL-2026 Resolutions and Decisions (CPC/07/D08) |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Health Break |
| 16:00 – 17:30 | 11. Consideration of the Draft Agenda of CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D09) 12. Consideration of the Draft Work Programme of CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D10) 13. Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the CPL (CPC/07/D11) 14. Consideration of the Interim Report of the Credentials Committee (CPC/07/D12) 15. Consideration of the Communiqué for the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPC/07/D13) 16. Any Other Business |
| Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | |
| 09:30 – 11:00 | 17. Meeting of Heads of Regulatory Agencies |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Health Break |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Preparation of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 by the Bureau (Bureau and Secretariat) |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Preparation of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 by the Bureau (Bureau and Secretariat) |
| 15:00 – 16:30 | 18. Adoption of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D14) 19. Vote of Thanks (CPC/07/D15) 20. Closing Session |
7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE ATU CONFERENCE OF PLENIPOTENTIARIES 2026 (CPL-26)
Abuja, Nigeria
23–24 July 2026
| Item | Agenda Item | Document |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opening Ceremony | — |
| 2 | Election of the Bureau | CPL/07/D01 |
| 3 | Adoption of the Draft Agenda | CPL/07/D02 |
| 4 | Adoption of the Draft Work Programme | CPL/07/D03 |
| 5 | Noting of the Rules of Procedures for CPL-26 | CPL/07/D04 |
| 6 | Statements by Heads of Delegations | — |
| 7 | Statements by Invited Heads of International Organisations | — |
| 8 | Announcement Related to Increase in the Level of Financial Contribution to ATU Budget | CPL/07/D05 |
| 9 | Consideration of the Report of the Conference Preparatory Committee 2026 (CPC-26) to CPL-26 | CPL/07/D06 |
| 10 | Consideration of the Report of the Credentials Committee | CPL/07/D07 |
| 11 | Ministerial Roundtable on Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity and Reading of the Abuja Declaration | CPL/07/D08 |
| 12 | Elections of the Members of the Administrative Council for the Period 2027–2031 | — |
| 13 | Election of the Secretary General for the Period 2027–2031 | — |
| 14 | Taking of Oath of Office by the Secretary General-Elect | — |
| 15 | Presentation by Candidatures for ITU Management Positions | — |
| 16 | Any Other Business | — |
| 17 | Date and Venue of the 8th CPL Session | — |
| 18 | Adoption of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Reading of the Communiqué | CPL/07/D09 |
| 19 | Vote of Thanks | CPL/07/D10 |
| 20 | Closing Ceremonies | — |
7TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ATU PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE
(CPL-26)
Abuja-Nigeria, 23 to 24 July, 2026
Agenda Item 11
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 23 July 2026 | |
| 09:30 – 11:00 | 1. Registration 2. Opening Ceremony 3. Election of the Bureau (CPL-07/D01) |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Photo Session & Health Break Hosted by Zimbabwe |
| 11:30 – 13:00 |
1. Consideration of the Draft Agenda of CPL (CPL-07/D02)
5. Statements by:
|
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break Hosted by Zambia |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | 6. Consideration of the Report of the Conference Preparatory Committee 2026 (CPC-26) to CPL-26 (CPL-07/D06) |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Health Break Hosted by Cameroon |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | 7. Consideration of the Report of the Credentials Committee (CPL-07/D07) |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | 8. Ministerial Roundtable on Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity (CPL-07/D08) |
| 18:30 – 22:00 | Gala Dinner Hosted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria |
| Friday, 24 July 2026 | |
| 09:00 – 11:00 |
1. Elections (conditionalities and procedures) of:
2. Taking of Oath by the Secretary General Elect |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Health Break Hosted by USA |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Preparation of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Communiqué (Bureau and Secretariat) |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break Hosted by Kenya |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | 4. Any Other Business 5. Date and Venue of the 8th CPL Session 6. Adoption of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Reading of the Communiqué (CPL-07/D09) 7. Vote of Thanks (CPL-07/D10) 8. Closing Ceremony |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Health Break Hosted by the Democratic Republic of the Congo |
AFRICAN ONE-DAY PREPARATORY MEETING
FOR ITU PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE (PP-26) – DOHA, QATAR
Abuja, Nigeria
18th July 2026
| No. | Items |
|---|---|
| 1. | Opening Remarks |
| 2. | Confirmation of the Bureau |
| 3. | Adoption of the Agenda and the Work Programme |
| 4. | Victoria Falls Report of the Second ATU preparatory meeting for PP-26 |
| 5. | Consideration of the reports from ATU WGs for PP-26 preparations |
| 6. | Consideration of the Comparative Analysis of the other RTOs PP26 proposals vis-à-vis ATU AFCPs |
| 7. | Receive New contributions from Member States, RECs and Associate Members |
| 8. | Consideration of the list of adopted AFCPs and appointment of focal points/Countries for interregional coordination |
| 9. | Consideration in view of the appointment of African Representatives for the ITU PP26 Committees (Chairs/Vice-chairs) |
| 10. | Date of the next meeting |
| 11. | Closing |
RÉUNION PRÉPARATOIRE AFRICAINE D’UNE JOURNÉE POUR LA
CONFÉRENCE DE PLÉNIPOTENTIAIRES DE L’UIT (PP-26) – DOHA, QATAR
Abuja, Nigéria
18 juillet 2026
| No. | Articles |
| 1 | Allocution d’ouverture |
| 2 | Confirmation du Bureau |
| 3 | Adoption de l’Agenda et du Programme de travail |
| 4 | Compte rendu de la deuxième réunion préparatoire de l’UAT pour le PP-26 Chutes Victoria |
| 5 | Examen des rapports des groupes de travail de l’UAT chargés de la préparation des propositions communes de la PP-26 |
| 6 | Examen de l’analyse comparative des propositions de l’UAT PP26 par rapport aux autres Organisations Régionales des Télécommunications de l’UIT (ORT) |
| 7 | Recevoir de nouvelles contributions des États membres, des CER et des membres associés |
| 8 | Examen de la liste des propositions communes (AFCP) et désignation de points focaux/pays pour la coordination interrégionale |
| 9 | Examen des candidatures de représentants africains aux comités PP26 de l’UIT (présidents/vice-présidents) |
| 10 | Date de la prochaine réunion |
| 11 | Clôture |
Special Sessions and Social Events
Abuja, Nigéria
21st – 24th July 2026
| # | Event Title | Duration | Date | Start | End | Invitees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUESDAY, 21 JULY 2026 | ||||||
| 1 | ATU/NCC Round-Table for Heads of Regulatory Agencies | 1 hr 30 min | 21/07/2026 | 09:30 | 11:00 | Regulators |
| WEDNESDAY, 22 JULY 2026 | ||||||
| 2 | ATU/GSMA – Regulatory Leaders’ Roundtable with African ICT Regulators on the Continental ICT Indicators Report | 1 hr 30 min | 22/07/2026 | 09:00 | 10:30 | All participants |
| Coffee Break | 22/07/2026 | 10:30 | 11:00 | All participants | ||
| 3 | ATU/GSMA – Regulatory Leaders’ Roundtable with African ICT Regulators to disseminate GSMA’s ICT Indicators Report | 2 hrs | 22/07/2026 | 11:00 | 13:00 | All participants |
| Lunch Break | 22/07/2026 | 13:00 | 14:30 | All participants | ||
| 4 | RIFEN/Nigeria Special Event on Empowering Youth & Women for Digital Inclusion (hosted by RIFEN) | 30 min | 22/07/2026 | 14:30 | 15:00 | All participants |
| 5 | ATU/TowerCos Round-Table Discussion on Promotion of the TowerCos Platform (subject to confirmation) | 1 hr | 22/07/2026 | 15:00 | 16:00 | All participants |
| Coffee Break (sponsored by Tunisia) | 22/07/2026 | 16:00 | 16:30 | All participants | ||
| 6 | ATU Heads of Delegations Meeting | 2 hrs | 22/07/2026 | 16:30 | 18:30 | Heads of Delegations |
| Dinner Reception (sponsored by South Africa) | 22/07/2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 | All participants | ||
| THURSDAY, 23 JULY 2026 | ||||||
| 7 | Official Opening Session — Statements by VVIPs; Chief Guest, Hon. Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Statement by the Minister, Federal Republic of Nigeria / Incoming Chair CPL-2026 (featuring the AI ATLAS LLM Project — GSMA / Government of Nigeria Partnership) | 1 hr 30 min | 23/07/2026 | 09:00 | 10:30 | All participants |
| Coffee Break (sponsored by Zimbabwe) | 23/07/2026 | 10:30 | 11:00 | All participants | ||
| 8 | Continuation as per programme | 1 hr 30 min | 23/07/2026 | 11:00 | 12:30 | All participants |
| Lunch Reception (sponsored by Zambia) | 23/07/2026 | 12:30 | 14:30 | All participants | ||
| 9 | Continuation as per programme | 1 hr | 23/07/2026 | 14:30 | 15:30 | All participants |
| Coffee Break (sponsored by Cameroon) | 23/07/2026 | 15:30 | 16:00 | All participants | ||
| 10 | ATU/GSMA — Ministerial Round-Table on Balanced Regulation / Ministerial Statement | 1 hr | 23/07/2026 | 16:00 | 17:00 | All participants |
| Dinner Reception (sponsored by Nigeria) | 23/07/2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 | All participants | ||
| FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2026 | ||||||
| 11 | Continuation as per programme | 2 hrs | 24/07/2026 | 09:00 | 11:00 | All participants |
| Coffee Break (sponsored by USA) | 24/07/2026 | 11:00 | 11:30 | All participants | ||
| 12 | Continuation as per programme | 1 hr 30 min | 24/07/2026 | 11:30 | 13:00 | All participants |
| Lunch Reception (sponsored by Kenya) | 24/07/2026 | 13:00 | 14:30 | All participants | ||
| 13 | Continuation as per programme | 1 hr | 24/07/2026 | 14:30 | 15:30 | All participants |
| Coffee Break (sponsored by DRC) | 24/07/2026 | 15:30 | 16:00 | All participants | ||
| 14 | Continuation as per programme | 1 hr | 24/07/2026 | 16:00 | 17:00 | All participants |
| Closing of Conference | 24/07/2026 | 17:00 | 18:00 | All participants | ||
Legend & Notes
- Gold banner rows — Mark the start of each conference day.
- Gold-shaded rows — Denote catering breaks, receptions and the closing session.
- Times — Given in 24-hour format, local Abuja time (WAT, UTC+1).
- Programme continuations — “Continuation as per programme” refers to the plenary agenda circulated separately.
- Subject to confirmation — Any event so labelled remains provisional pending sponsor / partner confirmation.
Sessions Spéciales et Événements Sociaux
Abuja, Nigéria
21 – 24 juillet 2026
| N° | Intitulé de l’événement | Durée | Date | Début | Fin | Invités |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARDI 21 JUILLET 2026 | ||||||
| 1 | UAT / NCC – Table ronde des Dirigeants des autorités de régulation | 1 h 30 | 21/07/2026 | 09h30 | 11h00 | Régulateurs |
| MERCREDI 22 JUILLET 2026 | ||||||
| 2 | UAT / GSMA – Table ronde des Dirigeants de la régulation avec les régulateurs africains des TIC sur le Rapport continental des indicateurs TIC | 1 h 30 | 22/07/2026 | 09h00 | 10h30 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café | 22/07/2026 | 10h30 | 11h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| 3 | UAT / GSMA – Table ronde des Dirigeants de la régulation avec les régulateurs africains des TIC pour la diffusion du Rapport des indicateurs TIC de la GSMA | 2 h | 22/07/2026 | 11h00 | 13h00 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-déjeuner | 22/07/2026 | 13h00 | 14h30 | Tous les participants | ||
| 4 | Événement spécial RIFEN / Nigéria – Autonomisation des jeunes et des femmes pour l’inclusion numérique (organisé par le RIFEN) | 30 min | 22/07/2026 | 14h30 | 15h00 | Tous les participants |
| 5 | UAT / TowerCos – Table ronde sur la promotion de la plateforme TowerCos (sous réserve de confirmation) | 1 h | 22/07/2026 | 15h00 | 16h00 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café (offerte par la Tunisie) | 22/07/2026 | 16h00 | 16h30 | Tous les participants | ||
| 6 | Réunion des chefs de délégation du UAT | 2 h | 22/07/2026 | 16h30 | 18h30 | Chefs de délégation |
| Dîner-réception (offert par l’Afrique du Sud) | 22/07/2026 | 19h00 | 21h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| JEUDI 23 JUILLET 2026 | ||||||
| 7 | Séance d’ouverture officielle — Allocutions des VVIP ; invité d’honneur : S.E. le Vice-Président de la République Fédérale du Nigéria ; allocution du Ministre de la République Fédérale du Nigéria / Président entrant de la CPL-2026 (présentation du projet AI ATLAS LLM — Partenariat GSMA / Gouvernement du Nigéria) | 1 h 30 | 23/07/2026 | 09h00 | 10h30 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café (offerte par le Zimbabwe) | 23/07/2026 | 10h30 | 11h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| 8 | Suite du programme | 1 h 30 | 23/07/2026 | 11h00 | 12h30 | Tous les participants |
| Déjeuner-réception (offert par la Zambie) | 23/07/2026 | 12h30 | 14h30 | Tous les participants | ||
| 9 | Suite du programme | 1 h | 23/07/2026 | 14h30 | 15h30 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café (offerte par le Cameroun) | 23/07/2026 | 15h30 | 16h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| 10 | UAT / GSMA — Table ronde ministérielle sur la régulation équilibrée / Déclaration ministérielle | 1 h | 23/07/2026 | 16h00 | 17h00 | Tous les participants |
| Dîner-réception (offert par le Nigéria) | 23/07/2026 | 19h00 | 21h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| VENDREDI 24 JUILLET 2026 | ||||||
| 11 | Suite du programme | 2 h | 24/07/2026 | 09h00 | 11h00 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café (offerte par les États-Unis) | 24/07/2026 | 11h00 | 11h30 | Tous les participants | ||
| 12 | Suite du programme | 1 h 30 | 24/07/2026 | 11h30 | 13h00 | Tous les participants |
| Déjeuner-réception (offert par le Kenya) | 24/07/2026 | 13h00 | 14h30 | Tous les participants | ||
| 13 | Suite du programme | 1 h | 24/07/2026 | 14h30 | 15h30 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café (offerte par la RDC) | 24/07/2026 | 15h30 | 16h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| 14 | Suite du programme | 1 h | 24/07/2026 | 16h00 | 17h00 | Tous les participants |
| Clôture de la Conférence | 24/07/2026 | 17h00 | 18h00 | Tous les participants | ||
Légende et notes
- Bandeaux dorés — Indiquent le début de chaque journée de conférence.
- Lignes sur fond or — Signalent les pauses, les réceptions et la séance de clôture.
- Horaires — Indiqués au format 24 heures, heure locale d’Abuja (WAT, UTC+1).
- Suite du programme — « Suite du programme » renvoie à l’ordre du jour de la plénière diffusé séparément.
- Sous réserve de confirmation — Tout événement portant cette mention demeure provisoire dans l’attente de la confirmation du parrain ou partenaire.
African Telecommunications Union
Conference of Plenipotentiaries – 23-24 July 2026, Abuja – Nigeria
MINISTERIAL ROUND TABLE
Theme: Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity
“Leveraging Technology Neutrality, Complementarity and Enabling Policy & Regulatory Environment, as the Path to Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity”
I.Context and Rationale
Africa possesses, today, the full array of technologies required to connect every citizen: expanding terrestrial mobile networks, a growing base of community networks, an increasingly capable satellite sector spanning GEO and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems, and a semiconductor and device ecosystem that seem to reduce the cost of access. And yet, large parts of the continent remain unconnected and significant number of the connected not using the network. This roundtable is built around one central question: why is Africa not yet fully covered and the connected not using the network, despite existence of the present multiple efforts?
The answer is rarely a single missing technology. It is more often a combination of affordability of devices and services, low digital literacy, incomplete population and geographic coverage, spectrum and regulatory friction, and a persistent tendency to perceive the various technological solutions as competitors rather than complements. Research shows that the achievement of meaningful connectivity, which is characterized by access that is fast, reliable, affordable and safe for all users, may not be achieved by any single technology acting alone.
II.Status of Africa’s Connectivity
According to ITU statistics (Facts and Figures 2025 and related 2024–2025 data releases) Africa’s Internet use stands at approximately 36% of Africa’s population uses the internet the lowest of any ITU region, against a global average of approximately 68%. Coverage gap indicates that approximately 14% of Africa’s population has no mobile broadband coverage at all. Ownership vs. usage gap is at approximately 66%, implying that 66% of Africans own a mobile phone, but only 38% are online. Gender gap points to women’s mobile internet connectivity trails men’s by double digits across the continent. Affordability at an entry-level mobile data plan costs 4.2% of GNI per capita more than double the UN Broadband Commission’s 2% affordability target, and the highest of any ITU region; fixed broadband costs around 15% of GNI per capita.
III.Objective of the Roundtable
The Ministerial Roundtable therefore, seeks to bring together African Ministers, ICT and digital economy regulators, and leading industry associations to build shared understanding and political commitment around technology neutrality and multi-technology complementarity as the fastest route to closing Africa’s connectivity and usage gaps. Outcomes from this roundtable will directly inform the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity.
IV.Expected Outcome
Roundtable discussions will surface concrete, actionable commitments from Ministers, regulators and industry on technology neutrality and complementarity, coupled with enabling policy and enabling environment, as the Path to Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity
These commitments will feed into the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, to be signed by Ministers on 23 July 2026, positioning ATU CPL-26 as the moment African Member States collectively commit to achieve MEANINGFUL CONNECTIVITY.
AFRICAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE
(CPL-26)
Abuja-Nigeria, July, 2026
Programme
Ministerial Round Table Session
Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity: Technology Neutrality and Complementarity, Path to Universal Coverage
Date: Wednesday, 23rd July 2026
Venue: Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center – Abuja, Nigeria
| Time | Segment | Details / Sub-Topics | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17:00 – 17:03 | Introducing Panelists
(3 mins) |
Moderator welcomes delegates, states the workshop objective, introduces the session format and panel. | Moderator – TBA |
| 17:03 – 17:10 | Context Setting
(7 mins) |
Keynote delivered focusing on –
|
SG – ITU |
| 17:10 – 17:50 | Panelist Pitches
(5 min each × 8 = 40 mins) |
Panelist pitch focusing on the role of each connectivity approach to address meaningful connectivity.
|
3 Ministers
1 Regulator GSMA GSOA GSA CN |
| 17:50 – 18:00 | Open Discussion (Q&A)(5 Minutes) |
Moderated exchange;
|
Moderator, Panelists & Floor |
| 18:00 – 18:10 | Ministerial Declaration
(10 Minutes) |
Reading and adoption of the Ministerial Declaration on ‘Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity’. |
Chairperson CPL-26 |
| 18:10 – 18:15 | Acknowledgement & Closing(5 Minutes) |
Acknowledge Session Co-sponsor – ATU partner GSMA Thanking panelists |
Secretary General, ATU |
Digital Africa Summit WORKSHOP
22nd JULY 2026
Advancing Africa’s Digital Future: Data-driven insights to support
Connectivity & Regulatory Modernization
| Time | Session | Presenter | Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Programme | |||
| 09:00 – 09:10 | Africa’s Digital Crossroads: Shaping Regulation and Connectivity for the Decade Ahead | John Omo | Secretary General, Africa Telecommunications Union |
| 09:10 – 09:25 | From Coverage to Connection: Closing Africa’s Usage Gap in the Age of AI | Caroline Mbugua | Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA |
| 09:25 – 09:40 | Regulatory Modernisation: Building the Foundations for Africa’s Digital Decade | Michaela Angonius | Head of Policy and Regulation, GSMA |
| 09:40 – 10:40 | Digital Africa Index Validation & Deep Dive | Kalvin Bahia | Principal Economist, GSMA Intelligence (GSMAi) |
| 10:40 – 11:00 | Refreshment Break | ||
| 11:00 – 11:45 | Regulator Testimonial — Digital Africa Index | Bienvenu Comlan Agbokponkto Soglo | Spectrum Director, GSMA |
| 11:45 – 12:25 | Digital Africa Index — Validation & Deep Dive | Kalvin Bahia | Principal Economist, GSMA Intelligence (GSMAi) |
| 12:25 – 12:35 | Mobile’s Foundational Role in the Digital Economy | Roddy McGlynn | Manager, International Relations, Government & Regulatory Affairs, GSMA |
| 12:35 – 12:45 | Closing & Key Takeaways | Caroline Mbugua | Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA |
- Registration
- Invitation Letters
- Country Information
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No. Sections 1. Country Information 2. Venue of the Event 3. Country Information 4. Registration 5. Visa and Entry Information for Nigeria 6. Transportation 7. Health Requirements 8. Recommended Hotels 9. City Information 10. Local Time/ Timezone No. Sections 11. Climate 12. Language Details 13. Driving in Abuja 14. Water 15. Electrical Points in Abuja 16. Telecommunications 17. Banking and Business Hours 18. Currency Please fill out the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s health declaration guideline form by clicking here.
- Model Credentials CPL26
- Draft Agenda
-
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE ATU ADMINSTRATIVE COUNCIL
Abuja, Nigeria
16th to 17th July, 2026Item Agenda Item Document 1 Official Opening Session — 2 Adoption of Agenda SS-AC/07/D01 3 Adoption of the Draft Work Programme SS-AC/07/D02 4 Consideration of the Report of the Special Meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee SS-AC/07/D03 5 Review of the Final Council Report on Amendments of the Basic Instruments of the Union SS-AC/07/D04 6 Consideration of the Draft Report of the Administrative Council on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 SS-AC/07/D05 7 Consideration of Draft Agenda of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) SS-AC/07/D06 8 Consideration of Draft Work Programme of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) SS-AC/07/D07 9 Noting of Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) SS-AC/07/D08 10 Consideration of Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) SS-AC/07/D09 11 Consideration of Draft Work Programme of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) SS-AC/07/D10 12 Noting of Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) SS-AC/07/D11 13 Any Other Business — 14 Adoption of the Report of the Special Session of the Council SS-AC/07/D12 15 Closing Session — SPECIAL SESSION OF THE ATU ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL
Abuja, Nigeria.
16 – 17 July, 2026Agenda Item 03
Time Programme Thursday, 16 July 2026 – Day 1 08:30 – 09:30 Registration of all Delegates 09:30 – 10:15 Official Opening Session 10:15 – 10:45 Health Break & Photo Session 10:45 – 13:00 • Adoption of Agenda (SS-AC/07/D01)
• Adoption of Draft Work Programme (SS-AC/07/D02)
• Report of the Special Meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee (SS-AC/07/D03)13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break 14:30 – 16:00 • Noting of the Final Council Report on Amendments of the Basic Instruments of the Union (SS-AC/07/D04)
• Draft Report of the Administrative Council on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 (SS-AC/07/D05)
• Draft Agenda of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D06)
• Draft Work Programme of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D07)16:00 – 16:15 Health Break 16:15 – 17:30 • Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D08)
• Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D09)
• Draft Work Programme of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D10)
• Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D11)
• Any Other BusinessFriday, 17 July 2026 – Day 2 09:00 – 10:15 Preparation of the Final Report 10:15 – 10:30 Health Break 10:30 – 13:00 Preparation of the Final Report (Continued) 13:00 – 14:45 Lunch Break 14:45 – 16:30 Adoption of the Report of the Special Session of the Council (SS-AC/07/D12) 16:30 – 17:30 Closing Session 7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE CONFERENCE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE
Abuja, Nigeria
20–21 July 2026Item Agenda Item Document 1 Opening Session — 2 Election of the Bureau CPC/07/D01 3 Adoption of the Draft Agenda CPC/07/D02 4 Adoption of the Draft Work Schedule CPC/07/D03 5 Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) CPC/07/D04 6 Appointment of the Credentials Committee CPC/07/D05 7 Consideration of the Report of the Administrative Council to CPC on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 CPC/07/D06 8 Noting of the Report of African Preparations for ITU PP-26 CPC/07/D07 9 Consideration of the Draft CPL-2026 Resolutions and Decisions CPC/07/D08 10 Consideration of the Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries CPC/07/D09 11 Consideration of the Draft Work Schedule of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries CPC/07/D10 12 Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) CPC/07/D11 13 Consideration of the Interim Report of the Credentials Committee CPC/07/D12 14 Consideration of the Communique for the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) CPC/07/D13 15 Any Other Business — 16 Meeting of Heads of African Regulatory Agencies — 17 Adoption of the Report and Recommendations of the Conference Preparatory Committee to CPL-26 CPC/07/D14 18 Vote of Thanks CPC/07/D15 19 Closing Session — 7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE
PREPARATORY COMMITTEE (CPC-26)
Abuja, Nigeria, 20 to 21 July, 2026
Agenda Item 8
Draft Work ProgrammeTime Programme Monday, 20 July 2026 08:30 – 11:00 1. Registration
2. Opening Session
3. Election of the Bureau (CPC/07/D01)
4. Adoption of the Draft Agenda of CPC (CPC/07/D02)
5. Adoption of the Draft Work Programme of CPC (CPC/07/D03)
6. Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the CPC (CPC/07/D04)
7. Appointment of the Credentials Committee (CPC/07/D05)11:00 – 11:30 Health Break 11:30 – 13:00 8. Consideration of the Report of the Administrative Council to CPC on the Activities of the Union for the Period 2023–2026 (CPC/07/D06) 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break 14:30 – 15:30 9. Noting of the Report of African Preparations for ITU PP-26 (CPC/07/D07)
10. Consideration of the Draft CPL-2026 Resolutions and Decisions (CPC/07/D08)15:30 – 16:00 Health Break 16:00 – 17:30 11. Consideration of the Draft Agenda of CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D09)
12. Consideration of the Draft Work Programme of CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D10)
13. Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the CPL (CPC/07/D11)
14. Consideration of the Interim Report of the Credentials Committee (CPC/07/D12)
15. Consideration of the Communiqué for the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPC/07/D13)
16. Any Other BusinessTuesday, 21 July 2026 09:30 – 11:00 17. Meeting of Heads of Regulatory Agencies 11:00 – 11:30 Health Break 11:30 – 13:00 Preparation of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 by the Bureau (Bureau and Secretariat) 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break 14:30 – 15:00 Preparation of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 by the Bureau (Bureau and Secretariat) 15:00 – 16:30 18. Adoption of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D14)
19. Vote of Thanks (CPC/07/D15)
20. Closing Session7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE ATU CONFERENCE OF PLENIPOTENTIARIES 2026 (CPL-26)
Abuja, Nigeria
23–24 July 2026Item Agenda Item Document 1 Opening Ceremony — 2 Election of the Bureau CPL/07/D01 3 Adoption of the Draft Agenda CPL/07/D02 4 Adoption of the Draft Work Programme CPL/07/D03 5 Noting of the Rules of Procedures for CPL-26 CPL/07/D04 6 Statements by Heads of Delegations — 7 Statements by Invited Heads of International Organisations — 8 Announcement Related to Increase in the Level of Financial Contribution to ATU Budget CPL/07/D05 9 Consideration of the Report of the Conference Preparatory Committee 2026 (CPC-26) to CPL-26 CPL/07/D06 10 Consideration of the Report of the Credentials Committee CPL/07/D07 11 Ministerial Roundtable on Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity and Reading of the Abuja Declaration CPL/07/D08 12 Elections of the Members of the Administrative Council for the Period 2027–2031 — 13 Election of the Secretary General for the Period 2027–2031 — 14 Taking of Oath of Office by the Secretary General-Elect — 15 Presentation by Candidatures for ITU Management Positions — 16 Any Other Business — 17 Date and Venue of the 8th CPL Session — 18 Adoption of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Reading of the Communiqué CPL/07/D09 19 Vote of Thanks CPL/07/D10 20 Closing Ceremonies — 7TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ATU PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE
(CPL-26)
Abuja-Nigeria, 23 to 24 July, 2026Agenda Item 11
Time Programme Thursday, 23 July 2026 09:30 – 11:00 1. Registration
2. Opening Ceremony
3. Election of the Bureau (CPL-07/D01)11:00 – 11:30 Photo Session & Health Break
Hosted by Zimbabwe11:30 – 13:00 1. Consideration of the Draft Agenda of CPL (CPL-07/D02)
2. Consideration of the Draft Work Programme of CPL (CPL-07/D03)
3. Consideration of the Rules of Procedure of CPL (CPL-07/D04)
4. Statements by:- Heads of Delegations (Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Ambassadors only)
- Announcement related to increases in the level of Contribution to the ATU Budget (CPL-07/D05)
5. Statements by:
- Heads of Sub-Regions
- Heads of International Organizations
13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break
Hosted by Zambia14:30 – 15:30 6. Consideration of the Report of the Conference Preparatory Committee 2026 (CPC-26) to CPL-26 (CPL-07/D06) 15:30 – 16:00 Health Break
Hosted by Cameroon16:00 – 17:00 7. Consideration of the Report of the Credentials Committee (CPL-07/D07) 17:00 – 18:00 8. Ministerial Roundtable on Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity (CPL-07/D08) 18:30 – 22:00 Gala Dinner
Hosted by the Federal Republic of NigeriaFriday, 24 July 2026 09:00 – 11:00 1. Elections (conditionalities and procedures) of:
- Part I – Members of the Administrative Council
- Part II – Secretary General
2. Taking of Oath by the Secretary General Elect
3. Presentation by Candidatures for ITU Management Positions11:00 – 11:30 Health Break
Hosted by USA11:30 – 13:00 Preparation of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Communiqué (Bureau and Secretariat) 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break
Hosted by Kenya14:30 – 16:00 4. Any Other Business
5. Date and Venue of the 8th CPL Session
6. Adoption of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Reading of the Communiqué (CPL-07/D09)
7. Vote of Thanks (CPL-07/D10)
8. Closing Ceremony16:00 – 16:30 Health Break
Hosted by the Democratic Republic of the CongoAFRICAN ONE-DAY PREPARATORY MEETING
FOR ITU PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE (PP-26) – DOHA, QATAR
Abuja, Nigeria
18th July 2026No. Items 1. Opening Remarks 2. Confirmation of the Bureau 3. Adoption of the Agenda and the Work Programme 4. Victoria Falls Report of the Second ATU preparatory meeting for PP-26 5. Consideration of the reports from ATU WGs for PP-26 preparations 6. Consideration of the Comparative Analysis of the other RTOs PP26 proposals vis-à-vis ATU AFCPs 7. Receive New contributions from Member States, RECs and Associate Members 8. Consideration of the list of adopted AFCPs and appointment of focal points/Countries for interregional coordination 9. Consideration in view of the appointment of African Representatives for the ITU PP26 Committees (Chairs/Vice-chairs) 10. Date of the next meeting 11. Closing RÉUNION PRÉPARATOIRE AFRICAINE D’UNE JOURNÉE POUR LA
CONFÉRENCE DE PLÉNIPOTENTIAIRES DE L’UIT (PP-26) – DOHA, QATAR
Abuja, Nigéria
18 juillet 2026No. Articles 1 Allocution d’ouverture 2 Confirmation du Bureau 3 Adoption de l’Agenda et du Programme de travail 4 Compte rendu de la deuxième réunion préparatoire de l’UAT pour le PP-26 Chutes Victoria 5 Examen des rapports des groupes de travail de l’UAT chargés de la préparation des propositions communes de la PP-26 6 Examen de l’analyse comparative des propositions de l’UAT PP26 par rapport aux autres Organisations Régionales des Télécommunications de l’UIT (ORT) 7 Recevoir de nouvelles contributions des États membres, des CER et des membres associés 8 Examen de la liste des propositions communes (AFCP) et désignation de points focaux/pays pour la coordination interrégionale 9 Examen des candidatures de représentants africains aux comités PP26 de l’UIT (présidents/vice-présidents) 10 Date de la prochaine réunion 11 Clôture Special Sessions and Social Events
Abuja, Nigéria
21st – 24th July 2026# Event Title Duration Date Start End Invitees TUESDAY, 21 JULY 2026 1 ATU/NCC Round-Table for Heads of Regulatory Agencies 1 hr 30 min 21/07/2026 09:30 11:00 Regulators WEDNESDAY, 22 JULY 2026 2 ATU/GSMA – Regulatory Leaders’ Roundtable with African ICT Regulators on the Continental ICT Indicators Report 1 hr 30 min 22/07/2026 09:00 10:30 All participants Coffee Break 22/07/2026 10:30 11:00 All participants 3 ATU/GSMA – Regulatory Leaders’ Roundtable with African ICT Regulators to disseminate GSMA’s ICT Indicators Report 2 hrs 22/07/2026 11:00 13:00 All participants Lunch Break 22/07/2026 13:00 14:30 All participants 4 RIFEN/Nigeria Special Event on Empowering Youth & Women for Digital Inclusion (hosted by RIFEN) 30 min 22/07/2026 14:30 15:00 All participants 5 ATU/TowerCos Round-Table Discussion on Promotion of the TowerCos Platform (subject to confirmation) 1 hr 22/07/2026 15:00 16:00 All participants Coffee Break (sponsored by Tunisia) 22/07/2026 16:00 16:30 All participants 6 ATU Heads of Delegations Meeting 2 hrs 22/07/2026 16:30 18:30 Heads of Delegations Dinner Reception (sponsored by South Africa) 22/07/2026 19:00 21:00 All participants THURSDAY, 23 JULY 2026 7 Official Opening Session — Statements by VVIPs; Chief Guest, Hon. Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Statement by the Minister, Federal Republic of Nigeria / Incoming Chair CPL-2026 (featuring the AI ATLAS LLM Project — GSMA / Government of Nigeria Partnership) 1 hr 30 min 23/07/2026 09:00 10:30 All participants Coffee Break (sponsored by Zimbabwe) 23/07/2026 10:30 11:00 All participants 8 Continuation as per programme 1 hr 30 min 23/07/2026 11:00 12:30 All participants Lunch Reception (sponsored by Zambia) 23/07/2026 12:30 14:30 All participants 9 Continuation as per programme 1 hr 23/07/2026 14:30 15:30 All participants Coffee Break (sponsored by Cameroon) 23/07/2026 15:30 16:00 All participants 10 ATU/GSMA — Ministerial Round-Table on Balanced Regulation / Ministerial Statement 1 hr 23/07/2026 16:00 17:00 All participants Dinner Reception (sponsored by Nigeria) 23/07/2026 19:00 21:00 All participants FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2026 11 Continuation as per programme 2 hrs 24/07/2026 09:00 11:00 All participants Coffee Break (sponsored by USA) 24/07/2026 11:00 11:30 All participants 12 Continuation as per programme 1 hr 30 min 24/07/2026 11:30 13:00 All participants Lunch Reception (sponsored by Kenya) 24/07/2026 13:00 14:30 All participants 13 Continuation as per programme 1 hr 24/07/2026 14:30 15:30 All participants Coffee Break (sponsored by DRC) 24/07/2026 15:30 16:00 All participants 14 Continuation as per programme 1 hr 24/07/2026 16:00 17:00 All participants Closing of Conference 24/07/2026 17:00 18:00 All participants Legend & Notes
- Gold banner rows — Mark the start of each conference day.
- Gold-shaded rows — Denote catering breaks, receptions and the closing session.
- Times — Given in 24-hour format, local Abuja time (WAT, UTC+1).
- Programme continuations — “Continuation as per programme” refers to the plenary agenda circulated separately.
- Subject to confirmation — Any event so labelled remains provisional pending sponsor / partner confirmation.
Sessions Spéciales et Événements Sociaux
Abuja, Nigéria
21 – 24 juillet 2026N° Intitulé de l’événement Durée Date Début Fin Invités MARDI 21 JUILLET 2026 1 UAT / NCC – Table ronde des Dirigeants des autorités de régulation 1 h 30 21/07/2026 09h30 11h00 Régulateurs MERCREDI 22 JUILLET 2026 2 UAT / GSMA – Table ronde des Dirigeants de la régulation avec les régulateurs africains des TIC sur le Rapport continental des indicateurs TIC 1 h 30 22/07/2026 09h00 10h30 Tous les participants Pause-café 22/07/2026 10h30 11h00 Tous les participants 3 UAT / GSMA – Table ronde des Dirigeants de la régulation avec les régulateurs africains des TIC pour la diffusion du Rapport des indicateurs TIC de la GSMA 2 h 22/07/2026 11h00 13h00 Tous les participants Pause-déjeuner 22/07/2026 13h00 14h30 Tous les participants 4 Événement spécial RIFEN / Nigéria – Autonomisation des jeunes et des femmes pour l’inclusion numérique (organisé par le RIFEN) 30 min 22/07/2026 14h30 15h00 Tous les participants 5 UAT / TowerCos – Table ronde sur la promotion de la plateforme TowerCos (sous réserve de confirmation) 1 h 22/07/2026 15h00 16h00 Tous les participants Pause-café (offerte par la Tunisie) 22/07/2026 16h00 16h30 Tous les participants 6 Réunion des chefs de délégation du UAT 2 h 22/07/2026 16h30 18h30 Chefs de délégation Dîner-réception (offert par l’Afrique du Sud) 22/07/2026 19h00 21h00 Tous les participants JEUDI 23 JUILLET 2026 7 Séance d’ouverture officielle — Allocutions des VVIP ; invité d’honneur : S.E. le Vice-Président de la République Fédérale du Nigéria ; allocution du Ministre de la République Fédérale du Nigéria / Président entrant de la CPL-2026 (présentation du projet AI ATLAS LLM — Partenariat GSMA / Gouvernement du Nigéria) 1 h 30 23/07/2026 09h00 10h30 Tous les participants Pause-café (offerte par le Zimbabwe) 23/07/2026 10h30 11h00 Tous les participants 8 Suite du programme 1 h 30 23/07/2026 11h00 12h30 Tous les participants Déjeuner-réception (offert par la Zambie) 23/07/2026 12h30 14h30 Tous les participants 9 Suite du programme 1 h 23/07/2026 14h30 15h30 Tous les participants Pause-café (offerte par le Cameroun) 23/07/2026 15h30 16h00 Tous les participants 10 UAT / GSMA — Table ronde ministérielle sur la régulation équilibrée / Déclaration ministérielle 1 h 23/07/2026 16h00 17h00 Tous les participants Dîner-réception (offert par le Nigéria) 23/07/2026 19h00 21h00 Tous les participants VENDREDI 24 JUILLET 2026 11 Suite du programme 2 h 24/07/2026 09h00 11h00 Tous les participants Pause-café (offerte par les États-Unis) 24/07/2026 11h00 11h30 Tous les participants 12 Suite du programme 1 h 30 24/07/2026 11h30 13h00 Tous les participants Déjeuner-réception (offert par le Kenya) 24/07/2026 13h00 14h30 Tous les participants 13 Suite du programme 1 h 24/07/2026 14h30 15h30 Tous les participants Pause-café (offerte par la RDC) 24/07/2026 15h30 16h00 Tous les participants 14 Suite du programme 1 h 24/07/2026 16h00 17h00 Tous les participants Clôture de la Conférence 24/07/2026 17h00 18h00 Tous les participants Légende et notes
- Bandeaux dorés — Indiquent le début de chaque journée de conférence.
- Lignes sur fond or — Signalent les pauses, les réceptions et la séance de clôture.
- Horaires — Indiqués au format 24 heures, heure locale d’Abuja (WAT, UTC+1).
- Suite du programme — « Suite du programme » renvoie à l’ordre du jour de la plénière diffusé séparément.
- Sous réserve de confirmation — Tout événement portant cette mention demeure provisoire dans l’attente de la confirmation du parrain ou partenaire.
African Telecommunications Union
Conference of Plenipotentiaries – 23-24 July 2026, Abuja – Nigeria
MINISTERIAL ROUND TABLE
Theme: Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity
“Leveraging Technology Neutrality, Complementarity and Enabling Policy & Regulatory Environment, as the Path to Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity”I.Context and Rationale
Africa possesses, today, the full array of technologies required to connect every citizen: expanding terrestrial mobile networks, a growing base of community networks, an increasingly capable satellite sector spanning GEO and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems, and a semiconductor and device ecosystem that seem to reduce the cost of access. And yet, large parts of the continent remain unconnected and significant number of the connected not using the network. This roundtable is built around one central question: why is Africa not yet fully covered and the connected not using the network, despite existence of the present multiple efforts?The answer is rarely a single missing technology. It is more often a combination of affordability of devices and services, low digital literacy, incomplete population and geographic coverage, spectrum and regulatory friction, and a persistent tendency to perceive the various technological solutions as competitors rather than complements. Research shows that the achievement of meaningful connectivity, which is characterized by access that is fast, reliable, affordable and safe for all users, may not be achieved by any single technology acting alone.
II.Status of Africa’s Connectivity
According to ITU statistics (Facts and Figures 2025 and related 2024–2025 data releases) Africa’s Internet use stands at approximately 36% of Africa’s population uses the internet the lowest of any ITU region, against a global average of approximately 68%. Coverage gap indicates that approximately 14% of Africa’s population has no mobile broadband coverage at all. Ownership vs. usage gap is at approximately 66%, implying that 66% of Africans own a mobile phone, but only 38% are online. Gender gap points to women’s mobile internet connectivity trails men’s by double digits across the continent. Affordability at an entry-level mobile data plan costs 4.2% of GNI per capita more than double the UN Broadband Commission’s 2% affordability target, and the highest of any ITU region; fixed broadband costs around 15% of GNI per capita.III.Objective of the Roundtable
The Ministerial Roundtable therefore, seeks to bring together African Ministers, ICT and digital economy regulators, and leading industry associations to build shared understanding and political commitment around technology neutrality and multi-technology complementarity as the fastest route to closing Africa’s connectivity and usage gaps. Outcomes from this roundtable will directly inform the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity.IV.Expected Outcome
Roundtable discussions will surface concrete, actionable commitments from Ministers, regulators and industry on technology neutrality and complementarity, coupled with enabling policy and enabling environment, as the Path to Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity
These commitments will feed into the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, to be signed by Ministers on 23 July 2026, positioning ATU CPL-26 as the moment African Member States collectively commit to achieve MEANINGFUL CONNECTIVITY.AFRICAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE
(CPL-26)
Abuja-Nigeria, July, 2026
Programme
Ministerial Round Table Session
Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity: Technology Neutrality and Complementarity, Path to Universal Coverage
Date: Wednesday, 23rd July 2026
Venue: Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center – Abuja, NigeriaTime Segment Details / Sub-Topics Lead 17:00 – 17:03 Introducing Panelists (3 mins)
Moderator welcomes delegates, states the workshop objective, introduces the session format and panel. Moderator – TBA 17:03 – 17:10 Context Setting (7 mins)
Keynote delivered focusing on –
- African ICT Development Facts & Figures
- Complementarity over competition among technologies
- Technology neutrality as best practices
- Beating persisting coverage gaps linked to geographic and economic challenges – importance of collaboration
- Affordability and literacy as core to meaningful connectivity
SG – ITU 17:10 – 17:50 Panelist Pitches (5 min each × 8 = 40 mins)
Panelist pitch focusing on the role of each connectivity approach to address meaningful connectivity.
- The coverage gap in Africa remains linked to geographic and economic challenges – What policy considerations must Africa prioritize to urgently address this coverage gap?
(Minister – 1) - The usage gap in Africa is a proven barrier to Africa’s meaningful connectivity – Who should bear the cost of closing the coverage and usage gaps—Operator, Government or Consumer?
(Minister – 2) - Access vs Sovereignty – Technology deployment requires national authorization to enhance trust and security for all users and impartial lawful access across all networks. Sovereignty is non-negotiable; what strategies can Member States adopt to balance the need to preserve sovereignty while accelerating access?
(Minister – 3) - Complementarity over competition – How would you rate Africa’s situation on technology integration—is it mostly siloed or coordinated? How is this manifesting in the deployment of terrestrial and satellite services?
(Regulator) - Technology Neutrality & Complementarity – Policy and regulatory barriers to optimizing the benefits of technology neutrality (Answering the Questions)
- Why are regions including Africa still suffering significant coverage gaps?
(GSOA) - What strategies can enhance collaboration between terrestrial and satellite technologies deployment in Africa?
(GSMA) - Is Quality of Service (QoS & QoE) slowing attainment of Meaningful Connectivity in Africa?
(GSA)
- Why are regions including Africa still suffering significant coverage gaps?
- Usage Gap – How is the present regulatory environment in Africa, affordability levels (devices & data cost) and digital literacy impacting deployment of last-mile broadband connectivity and the attainment of meaningful connectivity?
(Community Centered Connectivity/CNs)
3 Ministers 1 Regulator
GSMA
GSOA
GSA
CN
17:50 – 18:00 Open Discussion
(Q&A)(5 Minutes)Moderated exchange;
- Two questions from the floor.
- 2 Questions from the floor
Moderator,
Panelists &
Floor18:00 – 18:10 Ministerial Declaration (10 Minutes)
Reading and adoption of the Ministerial Declaration on
‘Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity’.Chairperson
CPL-2618:10 – 18:15 Acknowledgement
& Closing(5 Minutes)Acknowledge Session Co-sponsor – ATU partner
GSMA
Thanking panelists
Secretary
General, ATUDigital Africa Summit WORKSHOP
22nd JULY 2026
Advancing Africa’s Digital Future: Data-driven insights to support
Connectivity & Regulatory ModernizationTime Session Presenter Designation Programme 09:00 – 09:10 Africa’s Digital Crossroads: Shaping Regulation and Connectivity for the Decade Ahead John Omo Secretary General,
Africa Telecommunications Union09:10 – 09:25 From Coverage to Connection: Closing Africa’s Usage Gap in the Age of AI Caroline Mbugua Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA 09:25 – 09:40 Regulatory Modernisation: Building the Foundations for Africa’s Digital Decade Michaela Angonius Head of Policy and Regulation, GSMA 09:40 – 10:40 Digital Africa Index Validation & Deep Dive Kalvin Bahia Principal Economist,
GSMA Intelligence (GSMAi)10:40 – 11:00 Refreshment Break 11:00 – 11:45 Regulator Testimonial — Digital Africa Index Bienvenu Comlan Agbokponkto Soglo Spectrum Director, GSMA 11:45 – 12:25 Digital Africa Index — Validation & Deep Dive Kalvin Bahia Principal Economist,
GSMA Intelligence (GSMAi)12:25 – 12:35 Mobile’s Foundational Role in the Digital Economy Roddy McGlynn Manager, International Relations, Government & Regulatory Affairs, GSMA 12:35 – 12:45 Closing & Key Takeaways Caroline Mbugua Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA
| No. | Sections |
| 1. | Country Information |
| 2. | Venue of the Event |
| 3. | Country Information |
| 4. | Registration |
| 5. | Visa and Entry Information for Nigeria |
| 6. | Transportation |
| 7. | Health Requirements |
| 8. | Recommended Hotels |
| 9. | City Information |
| 10. | Local Time/ Timezone |
| No. | Sections |
| 11. | Climate |
| 12. | Language Details |
| 13. | Driving in Abuja |
| 14. | Water |
| 15. | Electrical Points in Abuja |
| 16. | Telecommunications |
| 17. | Banking and Business Hours |
| 18. | Currency |
Please fill out the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s health declaration guideline form by clicking here.
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE ATU ADMINSTRATIVE COUNCIL
Abuja, Nigeria
16th to 17th July, 2026
| Item | Agenda Item | Document |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Official Opening Session | — |
| 2 | Adoption of Agenda | SS-AC/07/D01 |
| 3 | Adoption of the Draft Work Programme | SS-AC/07/D02 |
| 4 | Consideration of the Report of the Special Meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee | SS-AC/07/D03 |
| 5 | Review of the Final Council Report on Amendments of the Basic Instruments of the Union | SS-AC/07/D04 |
| 6 | Consideration of the Draft Report of the Administrative Council on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 | SS-AC/07/D05 |
| 7 | Consideration of Draft Agenda of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) | SS-AC/07/D06 |
| 8 | Consideration of Draft Work Programme of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) | SS-AC/07/D07 |
| 9 | Noting of Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) | SS-AC/07/D08 |
| 10 | Consideration of Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) | SS-AC/07/D09 |
| 11 | Consideration of Draft Work Programme of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) | SS-AC/07/D10 |
| 12 | Noting of Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) | SS-AC/07/D11 |
| 13 | Any Other Business | — |
| 14 | Adoption of the Report of the Special Session of the Council | SS-AC/07/D12 |
| 15 | Closing Session | — |
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE ATU ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL
Abuja, Nigeria.
16 – 17 July, 2026
Agenda Item 03
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 16 July 2026 – Day 1 | |
| 08:30 – 09:30 | Registration of all Delegates |
| 09:30 – 10:15 | Official Opening Session |
| 10:15 – 10:45 | Health Break & Photo Session |
| 10:45 – 13:00 | • Adoption of Agenda (SS-AC/07/D01) • Adoption of Draft Work Programme (SS-AC/07/D02) • Report of the Special Meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee (SS-AC/07/D03) |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | • Noting of the Final Council Report on Amendments of the Basic Instruments of the Union (SS-AC/07/D04) • Draft Report of the Administrative Council on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 (SS-AC/07/D05) • Draft Agenda of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D06) • Draft Work Programme of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D07) |
| 16:00 – 16:15 | Health Break |
| 16:15 – 17:30 | • Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D08) • Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D09) • Draft Work Programme of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D10) • Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D11) • Any Other Business |
| Friday, 17 July 2026 – Day 2 | |
| 09:00 – 10:15 | Preparation of the Final Report |
| 10:15 – 10:30 | Health Break |
| 10:30 – 13:00 | Preparation of the Final Report (Continued) |
| 13:00 – 14:45 | Lunch Break |
| 14:45 – 16:30 | Adoption of the Report of the Special Session of the Council (SS-AC/07/D12) |
| 16:30 – 17:30 | Closing Session |
7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE CONFERENCE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE
Abuja, Nigeria
20–21 July 2026
| Item | Agenda Item | Document |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opening Session | — |
| 2 | Election of the Bureau | CPC/07/D01 |
| 3 | Adoption of the Draft Agenda | CPC/07/D02 |
| 4 | Adoption of the Draft Work Schedule | CPC/07/D03 |
| 5 | Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) | CPC/07/D04 |
| 6 | Appointment of the Credentials Committee | CPC/07/D05 |
| 7 | Consideration of the Report of the Administrative Council to CPC on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 | CPC/07/D06 |
| 8 | Noting of the Report of African Preparations for ITU PP-26 | CPC/07/D07 |
| 9 | Consideration of the Draft CPL-2026 Resolutions and Decisions | CPC/07/D08 |
| 10 | Consideration of the Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries | CPC/07/D09 |
| 11 | Consideration of the Draft Work Schedule of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries | CPC/07/D10 |
| 12 | Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) | CPC/07/D11 |
| 13 | Consideration of the Interim Report of the Credentials Committee | CPC/07/D12 |
| 14 | Consideration of the Communique for the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) | CPC/07/D13 |
| 15 | Any Other Business | — |
| 16 | Meeting of Heads of African Regulatory Agencies | — |
| 17 | Adoption of the Report and Recommendations of the Conference Preparatory Committee to CPL-26 | CPC/07/D14 |
| 18 | Vote of Thanks | CPC/07/D15 |
| 19 | Closing Session | — |
7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE
PREPARATORY COMMITTEE (CPC-26)
Abuja, Nigeria, 20 to 21 July, 2026
Agenda Item 8
Draft Work Programme
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| Monday, 20 July 2026 | |
| 08:30 – 11:00 | 1. Registration 2. Opening Session 3. Election of the Bureau (CPC/07/D01) 4. Adoption of the Draft Agenda of CPC (CPC/07/D02) 5. Adoption of the Draft Work Programme of CPC (CPC/07/D03) 6. Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the CPC (CPC/07/D04) 7. Appointment of the Credentials Committee (CPC/07/D05) |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Health Break |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | 8. Consideration of the Report of the Administrative Council to CPC on the Activities of the Union for the Period 2023–2026 (CPC/07/D06) |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | 9. Noting of the Report of African Preparations for ITU PP-26 (CPC/07/D07) 10. Consideration of the Draft CPL-2026 Resolutions and Decisions (CPC/07/D08) |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Health Break |
| 16:00 – 17:30 | 11. Consideration of the Draft Agenda of CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D09) 12. Consideration of the Draft Work Programme of CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D10) 13. Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the CPL (CPC/07/D11) 14. Consideration of the Interim Report of the Credentials Committee (CPC/07/D12) 15. Consideration of the Communiqué for the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPC/07/D13) 16. Any Other Business |
| Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | |
| 09:30 – 11:00 | 17. Meeting of Heads of Regulatory Agencies |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Health Break |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Preparation of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 by the Bureau (Bureau and Secretariat) |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Preparation of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 by the Bureau (Bureau and Secretariat) |
| 15:00 – 16:30 | 18. Adoption of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D14) 19. Vote of Thanks (CPC/07/D15) 20. Closing Session |
7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE ATU CONFERENCE OF PLENIPOTENTIARIES 2026 (CPL-26)
Abuja, Nigeria
23–24 July 2026
| Item | Agenda Item | Document |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opening Ceremony | — |
| 2 | Election of the Bureau | CPL/07/D01 |
| 3 | Adoption of the Draft Agenda | CPL/07/D02 |
| 4 | Adoption of the Draft Work Programme | CPL/07/D03 |
| 5 | Noting of the Rules of Procedures for CPL-26 | CPL/07/D04 |
| 6 | Statements by Heads of Delegations | — |
| 7 | Statements by Invited Heads of International Organisations | — |
| 8 | Announcement Related to Increase in the Level of Financial Contribution to ATU Budget | CPL/07/D05 |
| 9 | Consideration of the Report of the Conference Preparatory Committee 2026 (CPC-26) to CPL-26 | CPL/07/D06 |
| 10 | Consideration of the Report of the Credentials Committee | CPL/07/D07 |
| 11 | Ministerial Roundtable on Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity and Reading of the Abuja Declaration | CPL/07/D08 |
| 12 | Elections of the Members of the Administrative Council for the Period 2027–2031 | — |
| 13 | Election of the Secretary General for the Period 2027–2031 | — |
| 14 | Taking of Oath of Office by the Secretary General-Elect | — |
| 15 | Presentation by Candidatures for ITU Management Positions | — |
| 16 | Any Other Business | — |
| 17 | Date and Venue of the 8th CPL Session | — |
| 18 | Adoption of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Reading of the Communiqué | CPL/07/D09 |
| 19 | Vote of Thanks | CPL/07/D10 |
| 20 | Closing Ceremonies | — |
7TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ATU PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE
(CPL-26)
Abuja-Nigeria, 23 to 24 July, 2026
Agenda Item 11
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 23 July 2026 | |
| 09:30 – 11:00 | 1. Registration 2. Opening Ceremony 3. Election of the Bureau (CPL-07/D01) |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Photo Session & Health Break Hosted by Zimbabwe |
| 11:30 – 13:00 |
1. Consideration of the Draft Agenda of CPL (CPL-07/D02)
5. Statements by:
|
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break Hosted by Zambia |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | 6. Consideration of the Report of the Conference Preparatory Committee 2026 (CPC-26) to CPL-26 (CPL-07/D06) |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Health Break Hosted by Cameroon |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | 7. Consideration of the Report of the Credentials Committee (CPL-07/D07) |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | 8. Ministerial Roundtable on Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity (CPL-07/D08) |
| 18:30 – 22:00 | Gala Dinner Hosted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria |
| Friday, 24 July 2026 | |
| 09:00 – 11:00 |
1. Elections (conditionalities and procedures) of:
2. Taking of Oath by the Secretary General Elect |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Health Break Hosted by USA |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Preparation of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Communiqué (Bureau and Secretariat) |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch Break Hosted by Kenya |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | 4. Any Other Business 5. Date and Venue of the 8th CPL Session 6. Adoption of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Reading of the Communiqué (CPL-07/D09) 7. Vote of Thanks (CPL-07/D10) 8. Closing Ceremony |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Health Break Hosted by the Democratic Republic of the Congo |
AFRICAN ONE-DAY PREPARATORY MEETING
FOR ITU PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE (PP-26) – DOHA, QATAR
Abuja, Nigeria
18th July 2026
| No. | Items |
|---|---|
| 1. | Opening Remarks |
| 2. | Confirmation of the Bureau |
| 3. | Adoption of the Agenda and the Work Programme |
| 4. | Victoria Falls Report of the Second ATU preparatory meeting for PP-26 |
| 5. | Consideration of the reports from ATU WGs for PP-26 preparations |
| 6. | Consideration of the Comparative Analysis of the other RTOs PP26 proposals vis-à-vis ATU AFCPs |
| 7. | Receive New contributions from Member States, RECs and Associate Members |
| 8. | Consideration of the list of adopted AFCPs and appointment of focal points/Countries for interregional coordination |
| 9. | Consideration in view of the appointment of African Representatives for the ITU PP26 Committees (Chairs/Vice-chairs) |
| 10. | Date of the next meeting |
| 11. | Closing |
RÉUNION PRÉPARATOIRE AFRICAINE D’UNE JOURNÉE POUR LA
CONFÉRENCE DE PLÉNIPOTENTIAIRES DE L’UIT (PP-26) – DOHA, QATAR
Abuja, Nigéria
18 juillet 2026
| No. | Articles |
| 1 | Allocution d’ouverture |
| 2 | Confirmation du Bureau |
| 3 | Adoption de l’Agenda et du Programme de travail |
| 4 | Compte rendu de la deuxième réunion préparatoire de l’UAT pour le PP-26 Chutes Victoria |
| 5 | Examen des rapports des groupes de travail de l’UAT chargés de la préparation des propositions communes de la PP-26 |
| 6 | Examen de l’analyse comparative des propositions de l’UAT PP26 par rapport aux autres Organisations Régionales des Télécommunications de l’UIT (ORT) |
| 7 | Recevoir de nouvelles contributions des États membres, des CER et des membres associés |
| 8 | Examen de la liste des propositions communes (AFCP) et désignation de points focaux/pays pour la coordination interrégionale |
| 9 | Examen des candidatures de représentants africains aux comités PP26 de l’UIT (présidents/vice-présidents) |
| 10 | Date de la prochaine réunion |
| 11 | Clôture |
Special Sessions and Social Events
Abuja, Nigéria
21st – 24th July 2026
| # | Event Title | Duration | Date | Start | End | Invitees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUESDAY, 21 JULY 2026 | ||||||
| 1 | ATU/NCC Round-Table for Heads of Regulatory Agencies | 1 hr 30 min | 21/07/2026 | 09:30 | 11:00 | Regulators |
| WEDNESDAY, 22 JULY 2026 | ||||||
| 2 | ATU/GSMA – Regulatory Leaders’ Roundtable with African ICT Regulators on the Continental ICT Indicators Report | 1 hr 30 min | 22/07/2026 | 09:00 | 10:30 | All participants |
| Coffee Break | 22/07/2026 | 10:30 | 11:00 | All participants | ||
| 3 | ATU/GSMA – Regulatory Leaders’ Roundtable with African ICT Regulators to disseminate GSMA’s ICT Indicators Report | 2 hrs | 22/07/2026 | 11:00 | 13:00 | All participants |
| Lunch Break | 22/07/2026 | 13:00 | 14:30 | All participants | ||
| 4 | RIFEN/Nigeria Special Event on Empowering Youth & Women for Digital Inclusion (hosted by RIFEN) | 30 min | 22/07/2026 | 14:30 | 15:00 | All participants |
| 5 | ATU/TowerCos Round-Table Discussion on Promotion of the TowerCos Platform (subject to confirmation) | 1 hr | 22/07/2026 | 15:00 | 16:00 | All participants |
| Coffee Break (sponsored by Tunisia) | 22/07/2026 | 16:00 | 16:30 | All participants | ||
| 6 | ATU Heads of Delegations Meeting | 2 hrs | 22/07/2026 | 16:30 | 18:30 | Heads of Delegations |
| Dinner Reception (sponsored by South Africa) | 22/07/2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 | All participants | ||
| THURSDAY, 23 JULY 2026 | ||||||
| 7 | Official Opening Session — Statements by VVIPs; Chief Guest, Hon. Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Statement by the Minister, Federal Republic of Nigeria / Incoming Chair CPL-2026 (featuring the AI ATLAS LLM Project — GSMA / Government of Nigeria Partnership) | 1 hr 30 min | 23/07/2026 | 09:00 | 10:30 | All participants |
| Coffee Break (sponsored by Zimbabwe) | 23/07/2026 | 10:30 | 11:00 | All participants | ||
| 8 | Continuation as per programme | 1 hr 30 min | 23/07/2026 | 11:00 | 12:30 | All participants |
| Lunch Reception (sponsored by Zambia) | 23/07/2026 | 12:30 | 14:30 | All participants | ||
| 9 | Continuation as per programme | 1 hr | 23/07/2026 | 14:30 | 15:30 | All participants |
| Coffee Break (sponsored by Cameroon) | 23/07/2026 | 15:30 | 16:00 | All participants | ||
| 10 | ATU/GSMA — Ministerial Round-Table on Balanced Regulation / Ministerial Statement | 1 hr | 23/07/2026 | 16:00 | 17:00 | All participants |
| Dinner Reception (sponsored by Nigeria) | 23/07/2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 | All participants | ||
| FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2026 | ||||||
| 11 | Continuation as per programme | 2 hrs | 24/07/2026 | 09:00 | 11:00 | All participants |
| Coffee Break (sponsored by USA) | 24/07/2026 | 11:00 | 11:30 | All participants | ||
| 12 | Continuation as per programme | 1 hr 30 min | 24/07/2026 | 11:30 | 13:00 | All participants |
| Lunch Reception (sponsored by Kenya) | 24/07/2026 | 13:00 | 14:30 | All participants | ||
| 13 | Continuation as per programme | 1 hr | 24/07/2026 | 14:30 | 15:30 | All participants |
| Coffee Break (sponsored by DRC) | 24/07/2026 | 15:30 | 16:00 | All participants | ||
| 14 | Continuation as per programme | 1 hr | 24/07/2026 | 16:00 | 17:00 | All participants |
| Closing of Conference | 24/07/2026 | 17:00 | 18:00 | All participants | ||
Legend & Notes
- Gold banner rows — Mark the start of each conference day.
- Gold-shaded rows — Denote catering breaks, receptions and the closing session.
- Times — Given in 24-hour format, local Abuja time (WAT, UTC+1).
- Programme continuations — “Continuation as per programme” refers to the plenary agenda circulated separately.
- Subject to confirmation — Any event so labelled remains provisional pending sponsor / partner confirmation.
Sessions Spéciales et Événements Sociaux
Abuja, Nigéria
21 – 24 juillet 2026
| N° | Intitulé de l’événement | Durée | Date | Début | Fin | Invités |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARDI 21 JUILLET 2026 | ||||||
| 1 | UAT / NCC – Table ronde des Dirigeants des autorités de régulation | 1 h 30 | 21/07/2026 | 09h30 | 11h00 | Régulateurs |
| MERCREDI 22 JUILLET 2026 | ||||||
| 2 | UAT / GSMA – Table ronde des Dirigeants de la régulation avec les régulateurs africains des TIC sur le Rapport continental des indicateurs TIC | 1 h 30 | 22/07/2026 | 09h00 | 10h30 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café | 22/07/2026 | 10h30 | 11h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| 3 | UAT / GSMA – Table ronde des Dirigeants de la régulation avec les régulateurs africains des TIC pour la diffusion du Rapport des indicateurs TIC de la GSMA | 2 h | 22/07/2026 | 11h00 | 13h00 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-déjeuner | 22/07/2026 | 13h00 | 14h30 | Tous les participants | ||
| 4 | Événement spécial RIFEN / Nigéria – Autonomisation des jeunes et des femmes pour l’inclusion numérique (organisé par le RIFEN) | 30 min | 22/07/2026 | 14h30 | 15h00 | Tous les participants |
| 5 | UAT / TowerCos – Table ronde sur la promotion de la plateforme TowerCos (sous réserve de confirmation) | 1 h | 22/07/2026 | 15h00 | 16h00 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café (offerte par la Tunisie) | 22/07/2026 | 16h00 | 16h30 | Tous les participants | ||
| 6 | Réunion des chefs de délégation du UAT | 2 h | 22/07/2026 | 16h30 | 18h30 | Chefs de délégation |
| Dîner-réception (offert par l’Afrique du Sud) | 22/07/2026 | 19h00 | 21h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| JEUDI 23 JUILLET 2026 | ||||||
| 7 | Séance d’ouverture officielle — Allocutions des VVIP ; invité d’honneur : S.E. le Vice-Président de la République Fédérale du Nigéria ; allocution du Ministre de la République Fédérale du Nigéria / Président entrant de la CPL-2026 (présentation du projet AI ATLAS LLM — Partenariat GSMA / Gouvernement du Nigéria) | 1 h 30 | 23/07/2026 | 09h00 | 10h30 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café (offerte par le Zimbabwe) | 23/07/2026 | 10h30 | 11h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| 8 | Suite du programme | 1 h 30 | 23/07/2026 | 11h00 | 12h30 | Tous les participants |
| Déjeuner-réception (offert par la Zambie) | 23/07/2026 | 12h30 | 14h30 | Tous les participants | ||
| 9 | Suite du programme | 1 h | 23/07/2026 | 14h30 | 15h30 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café (offerte par le Cameroun) | 23/07/2026 | 15h30 | 16h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| 10 | UAT / GSMA — Table ronde ministérielle sur la régulation équilibrée / Déclaration ministérielle | 1 h | 23/07/2026 | 16h00 | 17h00 | Tous les participants |
| Dîner-réception (offert par le Nigéria) | 23/07/2026 | 19h00 | 21h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| VENDREDI 24 JUILLET 2026 | ||||||
| 11 | Suite du programme | 2 h | 24/07/2026 | 09h00 | 11h00 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café (offerte par les États-Unis) | 24/07/2026 | 11h00 | 11h30 | Tous les participants | ||
| 12 | Suite du programme | 1 h 30 | 24/07/2026 | 11h30 | 13h00 | Tous les participants |
| Déjeuner-réception (offert par le Kenya) | 24/07/2026 | 13h00 | 14h30 | Tous les participants | ||
| 13 | Suite du programme | 1 h | 24/07/2026 | 14h30 | 15h30 | Tous les participants |
| Pause-café (offerte par la RDC) | 24/07/2026 | 15h30 | 16h00 | Tous les participants | ||
| 14 | Suite du programme | 1 h | 24/07/2026 | 16h00 | 17h00 | Tous les participants |
| Clôture de la Conférence | 24/07/2026 | 17h00 | 18h00 | Tous les participants | ||
Légende et notes
- Bandeaux dorés — Indiquent le début de chaque journée de conférence.
- Lignes sur fond or — Signalent les pauses, les réceptions et la séance de clôture.
- Horaires — Indiqués au format 24 heures, heure locale d’Abuja (WAT, UTC+1).
- Suite du programme — « Suite du programme » renvoie à l’ordre du jour de la plénière diffusé séparément.
- Sous réserve de confirmation — Tout événement portant cette mention demeure provisoire dans l’attente de la confirmation du parrain ou partenaire.
African Telecommunications Union
Conference of Plenipotentiaries – 23-24 July 2026, Abuja – Nigeria
MINISTERIAL ROUND TABLE
Theme: Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity
“Leveraging Technology Neutrality, Complementarity and Enabling Policy & Regulatory Environment, as the Path to Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity”
I.Context and Rationale
Africa possesses, today, the full array of technologies required to connect every citizen: expanding terrestrial mobile networks, a growing base of community networks, an increasingly capable satellite sector spanning GEO and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems, and a semiconductor and device ecosystem that seem to reduce the cost of access. And yet, large parts of the continent remain unconnected and significant number of the connected not using the network. This roundtable is built around one central question: why is Africa not yet fully covered and the connected not using the network, despite existence of the present multiple efforts?
The answer is rarely a single missing technology. It is more often a combination of affordability of devices and services, low digital literacy, incomplete population and geographic coverage, spectrum and regulatory friction, and a persistent tendency to perceive the various technological solutions as competitors rather than complements. Research shows that the achievement of meaningful connectivity, which is characterized by access that is fast, reliable, affordable and safe for all users, may not be achieved by any single technology acting alone.
II.Status of Africa’s Connectivity
According to ITU statistics (Facts and Figures 2025 and related 2024–2025 data releases) Africa’s Internet use stands at approximately 36% of Africa’s population uses the internet the lowest of any ITU region, against a global average of approximately 68%. Coverage gap indicates that approximately 14% of Africa’s population has no mobile broadband coverage at all. Ownership vs. usage gap is at approximately 66%, implying that 66% of Africans own a mobile phone, but only 38% are online. Gender gap points to women’s mobile internet connectivity trails men’s by double digits across the continent. Affordability at an entry-level mobile data plan costs 4.2% of GNI per capita more than double the UN Broadband Commission’s 2% affordability target, and the highest of any ITU region; fixed broadband costs around 15% of GNI per capita.
III.Objective of the Roundtable
The Ministerial Roundtable therefore, seeks to bring together African Ministers, ICT and digital economy regulators, and leading industry associations to build shared understanding and political commitment around technology neutrality and multi-technology complementarity as the fastest route to closing Africa’s connectivity and usage gaps. Outcomes from this roundtable will directly inform the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity.
IV.Expected Outcome
Roundtable discussions will surface concrete, actionable commitments from Ministers, regulators and industry on technology neutrality and complementarity, coupled with enabling policy and enabling environment, as the Path to Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity
These commitments will feed into the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, to be signed by Ministers on 23 July 2026, positioning ATU CPL-26 as the moment African Member States collectively commit to achieve MEANINGFUL CONNECTIVITY.
AFRICAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE
(CPL-26)
Abuja-Nigeria, July, 2026
Programme
Ministerial Round Table Session
Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity: Technology Neutrality and Complementarity, Path to Universal Coverage
Date: Wednesday, 23rd July 2026
Venue: Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center – Abuja, Nigeria
| Time | Segment | Details / Sub-Topics | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17:00 – 17:03 | Introducing Panelists
(3 mins) |
Moderator welcomes delegates, states the workshop objective, introduces the session format and panel. | Moderator – TBA |
| 17:03 – 17:10 | Context Setting
(7 mins) |
Keynote delivered focusing on –
|
SG – ITU |
| 17:10 – 17:50 | Panelist Pitches
(5 min each × 8 = 40 mins) |
Panelist pitch focusing on the role of each connectivity approach to address meaningful connectivity.
|
3 Ministers
1 Regulator GSMA GSOA GSA CN |
| 17:50 – 18:00 | Open Discussion (Q&A)(5 Minutes) |
Moderated exchange;
|
Moderator, Panelists & Floor |
| 18:00 – 18:10 | Ministerial Declaration
(10 Minutes) |
Reading and adoption of the Ministerial Declaration on ‘Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity’. |
Chairperson CPL-26 |
| 18:10 – 18:15 | Acknowledgement & Closing(5 Minutes) |
Acknowledge Session Co-sponsor – ATU partner GSMA Thanking panelists |
Secretary General, ATU |
Digital Africa Summit WORKSHOP
22nd JULY 2026
Advancing Africa’s Digital Future: Data-driven insights to support
Connectivity & Regulatory Modernization
| Time | Session | Presenter | Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Programme | |||
| 09:00 – 09:10 | Africa’s Digital Crossroads: Shaping Regulation and Connectivity for the Decade Ahead | John Omo | Secretary General, Africa Telecommunications Union |
| 09:10 – 09:25 | From Coverage to Connection: Closing Africa’s Usage Gap in the Age of AI | Caroline Mbugua | Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA |
| 09:25 – 09:40 | Regulatory Modernisation: Building the Foundations for Africa’s Digital Decade | Michaela Angonius | Head of Policy and Regulation, GSMA |
| 09:40 – 10:40 | Digital Africa Index Validation & Deep Dive | Kalvin Bahia | Principal Economist, GSMA Intelligence (GSMAi) |
| 10:40 – 11:00 | Refreshment Break | ||
| 11:00 – 11:45 | Regulator Testimonial — Digital Africa Index | Bienvenu Comlan Agbokponkto Soglo | Spectrum Director, GSMA |
| 11:45 – 12:25 | Digital Africa Index — Validation & Deep Dive | Kalvin Bahia | Principal Economist, GSMA Intelligence (GSMAi) |
| 12:25 – 12:35 | Mobile’s Foundational Role in the Digital Economy | Roddy McGlynn | Manager, International Relations, Government & Regulatory Affairs, GSMA |
| 12:35 – 12:45 | Closing & Key Takeaways | Caroline Mbugua | Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA |
- Registration
- Invitation Letters
- Country Information
-
No. Sections 1. Country Information 2. Venue of the Event 3. Country Information 4. Registration 5. Visa and Entry Information for Nigeria 6. Transportation 7. Health Requirements 8. Recommended Hotels 9. City Information 10. Local Time/ Timezone No. Sections 11. Climate 12. Language Details 13. Driving in Abuja 14. Water 15. Electrical Points in Abuja 16. Telecommunications 17. Banking and Business Hours 18. Currency Please fill out the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s health declaration guideline form by clicking here.
- Model Credentials CPL26
- Draft Agenda
-
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE ATU ADMINSTRATIVE COUNCIL
Abuja, Nigeria
16th to 17th July, 2026Item Agenda Item Document 1 Official Opening Session — 2 Adoption of Agenda SS-AC/07/D01 3 Adoption of the Draft Work Programme SS-AC/07/D02 4 Consideration of the Report of the Special Meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee SS-AC/07/D03 5 Review of the Final Council Report on Amendments of the Basic Instruments of the Union SS-AC/07/D04 6 Consideration of the Draft Report of the Administrative Council on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 SS-AC/07/D05 7 Consideration of Draft Agenda of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) SS-AC/07/D06 8 Consideration of Draft Work Programme of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) SS-AC/07/D07 9 Noting of Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) SS-AC/07/D08 10 Consideration of Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) SS-AC/07/D09 11 Consideration of Draft Work Programme of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) SS-AC/07/D10 12 Noting of Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) SS-AC/07/D11 13 Any Other Business — 14 Adoption of the Report of the Special Session of the Council SS-AC/07/D12 15 Closing Session — SPECIAL SESSION OF THE ATU ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL
Abuja, Nigeria.
16 – 17 July, 2026Agenda Item 03
Time Programme Thursday, 16 July 2026 – Day 1 08:30 – 09:30 Registration of all Delegates 09:30 – 10:15 Official Opening Session 10:15 – 10:45 Health Break & Photo Session 10:45 – 13:00 • Adoption of Agenda (SS-AC/07/D01)
• Adoption of Draft Work Programme (SS-AC/07/D02)
• Report of the Special Meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee (SS-AC/07/D03)13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break 14:30 – 16:00 • Noting of the Final Council Report on Amendments of the Basic Instruments of the Union (SS-AC/07/D04)
• Draft Report of the Administrative Council on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 (SS-AC/07/D05)
• Draft Agenda of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D06)
• Draft Work Programme of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D07)16:00 – 16:15 Health Break 16:15 – 17:30 • Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) (SS-AC/07/D08)
• Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D09)
• Draft Work Programme of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D10)
• Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) (SS-AC/07/D11)
• Any Other BusinessFriday, 17 July 2026 – Day 2 09:00 – 10:15 Preparation of the Final Report 10:15 – 10:30 Health Break 10:30 – 13:00 Preparation of the Final Report (Continued) 13:00 – 14:45 Lunch Break 14:45 – 16:30 Adoption of the Report of the Special Session of the Council (SS-AC/07/D12) 16:30 – 17:30 Closing Session 7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE CONFERENCE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE
Abuja, Nigeria
20–21 July 2026Item Agenda Item Document 1 Opening Session — 2 Election of the Bureau CPC/07/D01 3 Adoption of the Draft Agenda CPC/07/D02 4 Adoption of the Draft Work Schedule CPC/07/D03 5 Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference Preparatory Committee (CPC) CPC/07/D04 6 Appointment of the Credentials Committee CPC/07/D05 7 Consideration of the Report of the Administrative Council to CPC on the Activities of the Union during the Four-Year Period 2023–2026 CPC/07/D06 8 Noting of the Report of African Preparations for ITU PP-26 CPC/07/D07 9 Consideration of the Draft CPL-2026 Resolutions and Decisions CPC/07/D08 10 Consideration of the Draft Agenda of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries CPC/07/D09 11 Consideration of the Draft Work Schedule of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries CPC/07/D10 12 Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) CPC/07/D11 13 Consideration of the Interim Report of the Credentials Committee CPC/07/D12 14 Consideration of the Communique for the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL) CPC/07/D13 15 Any Other Business — 16 Meeting of Heads of African Regulatory Agencies — 17 Adoption of the Report and Recommendations of the Conference Preparatory Committee to CPL-26 CPC/07/D14 18 Vote of Thanks CPC/07/D15 19 Closing Session — 7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE
PREPARATORY COMMITTEE (CPC-26)
Abuja, Nigeria, 20 to 21 July, 2026
Agenda Item 8
Draft Work ProgrammeTime Programme Monday, 20 July 2026 08:30 – 11:00 1. Registration
2. Opening Session
3. Election of the Bureau (CPC/07/D01)
4. Adoption of the Draft Agenda of CPC (CPC/07/D02)
5. Adoption of the Draft Work Programme of CPC (CPC/07/D03)
6. Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the CPC (CPC/07/D04)
7. Appointment of the Credentials Committee (CPC/07/D05)11:00 – 11:30 Health Break 11:30 – 13:00 8. Consideration of the Report of the Administrative Council to CPC on the Activities of the Union for the Period 2023–2026 (CPC/07/D06) 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break 14:30 – 15:30 9. Noting of the Report of African Preparations for ITU PP-26 (CPC/07/D07)
10. Consideration of the Draft CPL-2026 Resolutions and Decisions (CPC/07/D08)15:30 – 16:00 Health Break 16:00 – 17:30 11. Consideration of the Draft Agenda of CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D09)
12. Consideration of the Draft Work Programme of CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D10)
13. Noting of the Rules of Procedure of the CPL (CPC/07/D11)
14. Consideration of the Interim Report of the Credentials Committee (CPC/07/D12)
15. Consideration of the Communiqué for the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPC/07/D13)
16. Any Other BusinessTuesday, 21 July 2026 09:30 – 11:00 17. Meeting of Heads of Regulatory Agencies 11:00 – 11:30 Health Break 11:30 – 13:00 Preparation of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 by the Bureau (Bureau and Secretariat) 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break 14:30 – 15:00 Preparation of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 by the Bureau (Bureau and Secretariat) 15:00 – 16:30 18. Adoption of the Report of the CPC-2026 to CPL-2026 (CPC/07/D14)
19. Vote of Thanks (CPC/07/D15)
20. Closing Session7 TH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE ATU CONFERENCE OF PLENIPOTENTIARIES 2026 (CPL-26)
Abuja, Nigeria
23–24 July 2026Item Agenda Item Document 1 Opening Ceremony — 2 Election of the Bureau CPL/07/D01 3 Adoption of the Draft Agenda CPL/07/D02 4 Adoption of the Draft Work Programme CPL/07/D03 5 Noting of the Rules of Procedures for CPL-26 CPL/07/D04 6 Statements by Heads of Delegations — 7 Statements by Invited Heads of International Organisations — 8 Announcement Related to Increase in the Level of Financial Contribution to ATU Budget CPL/07/D05 9 Consideration of the Report of the Conference Preparatory Committee 2026 (CPC-26) to CPL-26 CPL/07/D06 10 Consideration of the Report of the Credentials Committee CPL/07/D07 11 Ministerial Roundtable on Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity and Reading of the Abuja Declaration CPL/07/D08 12 Elections of the Members of the Administrative Council for the Period 2027–2031 — 13 Election of the Secretary General for the Period 2027–2031 — 14 Taking of Oath of Office by the Secretary General-Elect — 15 Presentation by Candidatures for ITU Management Positions — 16 Any Other Business — 17 Date and Venue of the 8th CPL Session — 18 Adoption of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Reading of the Communiqué CPL/07/D09 19 Vote of Thanks CPL/07/D10 20 Closing Ceremonies — 7TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ATU PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE
(CPL-26)
Abuja-Nigeria, 23 to 24 July, 2026Agenda Item 11
Time Programme Thursday, 23 July 2026 09:30 – 11:00 1. Registration
2. Opening Ceremony
3. Election of the Bureau (CPL-07/D01)11:00 – 11:30 Photo Session & Health Break
Hosted by Zimbabwe11:30 – 13:00 1. Consideration of the Draft Agenda of CPL (CPL-07/D02)
2. Consideration of the Draft Work Programme of CPL (CPL-07/D03)
3. Consideration of the Rules of Procedure of CPL (CPL-07/D04)
4. Statements by:- Heads of Delegations (Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Ambassadors only)
- Announcement related to increases in the level of Contribution to the ATU Budget (CPL-07/D05)
5. Statements by:
- Heads of Sub-Regions
- Heads of International Organizations
13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break
Hosted by Zambia14:30 – 15:30 6. Consideration of the Report of the Conference Preparatory Committee 2026 (CPC-26) to CPL-26 (CPL-07/D06) 15:30 – 16:00 Health Break
Hosted by Cameroon16:00 – 17:00 7. Consideration of the Report of the Credentials Committee (CPL-07/D07) 17:00 – 18:00 8. Ministerial Roundtable on Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity (CPL-07/D08) 18:30 – 22:00 Gala Dinner
Hosted by the Federal Republic of NigeriaFriday, 24 July 2026 09:00 – 11:00 1. Elections (conditionalities and procedures) of:
- Part I – Members of the Administrative Council
- Part II – Secretary General
2. Taking of Oath by the Secretary General Elect
3. Presentation by Candidatures for ITU Management Positions11:00 – 11:30 Health Break
Hosted by USA11:30 – 13:00 Preparation of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Communiqué (Bureau and Secretariat) 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break
Hosted by Kenya14:30 – 16:00 4. Any Other Business
5. Date and Venue of the 8th CPL Session
6. Adoption of the Report and Final Acts of CPL-26 and Reading of the Communiqué (CPL-07/D09)
7. Vote of Thanks (CPL-07/D10)
8. Closing Ceremony16:00 – 16:30 Health Break
Hosted by the Democratic Republic of the CongoAFRICAN ONE-DAY PREPARATORY MEETING
FOR ITU PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE (PP-26) – DOHA, QATAR
Abuja, Nigeria
18th July 2026No. Items 1. Opening Remarks 2. Confirmation of the Bureau 3. Adoption of the Agenda and the Work Programme 4. Victoria Falls Report of the Second ATU preparatory meeting for PP-26 5. Consideration of the reports from ATU WGs for PP-26 preparations 6. Consideration of the Comparative Analysis of the other RTOs PP26 proposals vis-à-vis ATU AFCPs 7. Receive New contributions from Member States, RECs and Associate Members 8. Consideration of the list of adopted AFCPs and appointment of focal points/Countries for interregional coordination 9. Consideration in view of the appointment of African Representatives for the ITU PP26 Committees (Chairs/Vice-chairs) 10. Date of the next meeting 11. Closing RÉUNION PRÉPARATOIRE AFRICAINE D’UNE JOURNÉE POUR LA
CONFÉRENCE DE PLÉNIPOTENTIAIRES DE L’UIT (PP-26) – DOHA, QATAR
Abuja, Nigéria
18 juillet 2026No. Articles 1 Allocution d’ouverture 2 Confirmation du Bureau 3 Adoption de l’Agenda et du Programme de travail 4 Compte rendu de la deuxième réunion préparatoire de l’UAT pour le PP-26 Chutes Victoria 5 Examen des rapports des groupes de travail de l’UAT chargés de la préparation des propositions communes de la PP-26 6 Examen de l’analyse comparative des propositions de l’UAT PP26 par rapport aux autres Organisations Régionales des Télécommunications de l’UIT (ORT) 7 Recevoir de nouvelles contributions des États membres, des CER et des membres associés 8 Examen de la liste des propositions communes (AFCP) et désignation de points focaux/pays pour la coordination interrégionale 9 Examen des candidatures de représentants africains aux comités PP26 de l’UIT (présidents/vice-présidents) 10 Date de la prochaine réunion 11 Clôture Special Sessions and Social Events
Abuja, Nigéria
21st – 24th July 2026# Event Title Duration Date Start End Invitees TUESDAY, 21 JULY 2026 1 ATU/NCC Round-Table for Heads of Regulatory Agencies 1 hr 30 min 21/07/2026 09:30 11:00 Regulators WEDNESDAY, 22 JULY 2026 2 ATU/GSMA – Regulatory Leaders’ Roundtable with African ICT Regulators on the Continental ICT Indicators Report 1 hr 30 min 22/07/2026 09:00 10:30 All participants Coffee Break 22/07/2026 10:30 11:00 All participants 3 ATU/GSMA – Regulatory Leaders’ Roundtable with African ICT Regulators to disseminate GSMA’s ICT Indicators Report 2 hrs 22/07/2026 11:00 13:00 All participants Lunch Break 22/07/2026 13:00 14:30 All participants 4 RIFEN/Nigeria Special Event on Empowering Youth & Women for Digital Inclusion (hosted by RIFEN) 30 min 22/07/2026 14:30 15:00 All participants 5 ATU/TowerCos Round-Table Discussion on Promotion of the TowerCos Platform (subject to confirmation) 1 hr 22/07/2026 15:00 16:00 All participants Coffee Break (sponsored by Tunisia) 22/07/2026 16:00 16:30 All participants 6 ATU Heads of Delegations Meeting 2 hrs 22/07/2026 16:30 18:30 Heads of Delegations Dinner Reception (sponsored by South Africa) 22/07/2026 19:00 21:00 All participants THURSDAY, 23 JULY 2026 7 Official Opening Session — Statements by VVIPs; Chief Guest, Hon. Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Statement by the Minister, Federal Republic of Nigeria / Incoming Chair CPL-2026 (featuring the AI ATLAS LLM Project — GSMA / Government of Nigeria Partnership) 1 hr 30 min 23/07/2026 09:00 10:30 All participants Coffee Break (sponsored by Zimbabwe) 23/07/2026 10:30 11:00 All participants 8 Continuation as per programme 1 hr 30 min 23/07/2026 11:00 12:30 All participants Lunch Reception (sponsored by Zambia) 23/07/2026 12:30 14:30 All participants 9 Continuation as per programme 1 hr 23/07/2026 14:30 15:30 All participants Coffee Break (sponsored by Cameroon) 23/07/2026 15:30 16:00 All participants 10 ATU/GSMA — Ministerial Round-Table on Balanced Regulation / Ministerial Statement 1 hr 23/07/2026 16:00 17:00 All participants Dinner Reception (sponsored by Nigeria) 23/07/2026 19:00 21:00 All participants FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2026 11 Continuation as per programme 2 hrs 24/07/2026 09:00 11:00 All participants Coffee Break (sponsored by USA) 24/07/2026 11:00 11:30 All participants 12 Continuation as per programme 1 hr 30 min 24/07/2026 11:30 13:00 All participants Lunch Reception (sponsored by Kenya) 24/07/2026 13:00 14:30 All participants 13 Continuation as per programme 1 hr 24/07/2026 14:30 15:30 All participants Coffee Break (sponsored by DRC) 24/07/2026 15:30 16:00 All participants 14 Continuation as per programme 1 hr 24/07/2026 16:00 17:00 All participants Closing of Conference 24/07/2026 17:00 18:00 All participants Legend & Notes
- Gold banner rows — Mark the start of each conference day.
- Gold-shaded rows — Denote catering breaks, receptions and the closing session.
- Times — Given in 24-hour format, local Abuja time (WAT, UTC+1).
- Programme continuations — “Continuation as per programme” refers to the plenary agenda circulated separately.
- Subject to confirmation — Any event so labelled remains provisional pending sponsor / partner confirmation.
Sessions Spéciales et Événements Sociaux
Abuja, Nigéria
21 – 24 juillet 2026N° Intitulé de l’événement Durée Date Début Fin Invités MARDI 21 JUILLET 2026 1 UAT / NCC – Table ronde des Dirigeants des autorités de régulation 1 h 30 21/07/2026 09h30 11h00 Régulateurs MERCREDI 22 JUILLET 2026 2 UAT / GSMA – Table ronde des Dirigeants de la régulation avec les régulateurs africains des TIC sur le Rapport continental des indicateurs TIC 1 h 30 22/07/2026 09h00 10h30 Tous les participants Pause-café 22/07/2026 10h30 11h00 Tous les participants 3 UAT / GSMA – Table ronde des Dirigeants de la régulation avec les régulateurs africains des TIC pour la diffusion du Rapport des indicateurs TIC de la GSMA 2 h 22/07/2026 11h00 13h00 Tous les participants Pause-déjeuner 22/07/2026 13h00 14h30 Tous les participants 4 Événement spécial RIFEN / Nigéria – Autonomisation des jeunes et des femmes pour l’inclusion numérique (organisé par le RIFEN) 30 min 22/07/2026 14h30 15h00 Tous les participants 5 UAT / TowerCos – Table ronde sur la promotion de la plateforme TowerCos (sous réserve de confirmation) 1 h 22/07/2026 15h00 16h00 Tous les participants Pause-café (offerte par la Tunisie) 22/07/2026 16h00 16h30 Tous les participants 6 Réunion des chefs de délégation du UAT 2 h 22/07/2026 16h30 18h30 Chefs de délégation Dîner-réception (offert par l’Afrique du Sud) 22/07/2026 19h00 21h00 Tous les participants JEUDI 23 JUILLET 2026 7 Séance d’ouverture officielle — Allocutions des VVIP ; invité d’honneur : S.E. le Vice-Président de la République Fédérale du Nigéria ; allocution du Ministre de la République Fédérale du Nigéria / Président entrant de la CPL-2026 (présentation du projet AI ATLAS LLM — Partenariat GSMA / Gouvernement du Nigéria) 1 h 30 23/07/2026 09h00 10h30 Tous les participants Pause-café (offerte par le Zimbabwe) 23/07/2026 10h30 11h00 Tous les participants 8 Suite du programme 1 h 30 23/07/2026 11h00 12h30 Tous les participants Déjeuner-réception (offert par la Zambie) 23/07/2026 12h30 14h30 Tous les participants 9 Suite du programme 1 h 23/07/2026 14h30 15h30 Tous les participants Pause-café (offerte par le Cameroun) 23/07/2026 15h30 16h00 Tous les participants 10 UAT / GSMA — Table ronde ministérielle sur la régulation équilibrée / Déclaration ministérielle 1 h 23/07/2026 16h00 17h00 Tous les participants Dîner-réception (offert par le Nigéria) 23/07/2026 19h00 21h00 Tous les participants VENDREDI 24 JUILLET 2026 11 Suite du programme 2 h 24/07/2026 09h00 11h00 Tous les participants Pause-café (offerte par les États-Unis) 24/07/2026 11h00 11h30 Tous les participants 12 Suite du programme 1 h 30 24/07/2026 11h30 13h00 Tous les participants Déjeuner-réception (offert par le Kenya) 24/07/2026 13h00 14h30 Tous les participants 13 Suite du programme 1 h 24/07/2026 14h30 15h30 Tous les participants Pause-café (offerte par la RDC) 24/07/2026 15h30 16h00 Tous les participants 14 Suite du programme 1 h 24/07/2026 16h00 17h00 Tous les participants Clôture de la Conférence 24/07/2026 17h00 18h00 Tous les participants Légende et notes
- Bandeaux dorés — Indiquent le début de chaque journée de conférence.
- Lignes sur fond or — Signalent les pauses, les réceptions et la séance de clôture.
- Horaires — Indiqués au format 24 heures, heure locale d’Abuja (WAT, UTC+1).
- Suite du programme — « Suite du programme » renvoie à l’ordre du jour de la plénière diffusé séparément.
- Sous réserve de confirmation — Tout événement portant cette mention demeure provisoire dans l’attente de la confirmation du parrain ou partenaire.
African Telecommunications Union
Conference of Plenipotentiaries – 23-24 July 2026, Abuja – Nigeria
MINISTERIAL ROUND TABLE
Theme: Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity
“Leveraging Technology Neutrality, Complementarity and Enabling Policy & Regulatory Environment, as the Path to Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity”I.Context and Rationale
Africa possesses, today, the full array of technologies required to connect every citizen: expanding terrestrial mobile networks, a growing base of community networks, an increasingly capable satellite sector spanning GEO and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems, and a semiconductor and device ecosystem that seem to reduce the cost of access. And yet, large parts of the continent remain unconnected and significant number of the connected not using the network. This roundtable is built around one central question: why is Africa not yet fully covered and the connected not using the network, despite existence of the present multiple efforts?The answer is rarely a single missing technology. It is more often a combination of affordability of devices and services, low digital literacy, incomplete population and geographic coverage, spectrum and regulatory friction, and a persistent tendency to perceive the various technological solutions as competitors rather than complements. Research shows that the achievement of meaningful connectivity, which is characterized by access that is fast, reliable, affordable and safe for all users, may not be achieved by any single technology acting alone.
II.Status of Africa’s Connectivity
According to ITU statistics (Facts and Figures 2025 and related 2024–2025 data releases) Africa’s Internet use stands at approximately 36% of Africa’s population uses the internet the lowest of any ITU region, against a global average of approximately 68%. Coverage gap indicates that approximately 14% of Africa’s population has no mobile broadband coverage at all. Ownership vs. usage gap is at approximately 66%, implying that 66% of Africans own a mobile phone, but only 38% are online. Gender gap points to women’s mobile internet connectivity trails men’s by double digits across the continent. Affordability at an entry-level mobile data plan costs 4.2% of GNI per capita more than double the UN Broadband Commission’s 2% affordability target, and the highest of any ITU region; fixed broadband costs around 15% of GNI per capita.III.Objective of the Roundtable
The Ministerial Roundtable therefore, seeks to bring together African Ministers, ICT and digital economy regulators, and leading industry associations to build shared understanding and political commitment around technology neutrality and multi-technology complementarity as the fastest route to closing Africa’s connectivity and usage gaps. Outcomes from this roundtable will directly inform the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity.IV.Expected Outcome
Roundtable discussions will surface concrete, actionable commitments from Ministers, regulators and industry on technology neutrality and complementarity, coupled with enabling policy and enabling environment, as the Path to Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity
These commitments will feed into the 2026 Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, to be signed by Ministers on 23 July 2026, positioning ATU CPL-26 as the moment African Member States collectively commit to achieve MEANINGFUL CONNECTIVITY.AFRICAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE
(CPL-26)
Abuja-Nigeria, July, 2026
Programme
Ministerial Round Table Session
Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity: Technology Neutrality and Complementarity, Path to Universal Coverage
Date: Wednesday, 23rd July 2026
Venue: Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center – Abuja, NigeriaTime Segment Details / Sub-Topics Lead 17:00 – 17:03 Introducing Panelists (3 mins)
Moderator welcomes delegates, states the workshop objective, introduces the session format and panel. Moderator – TBA 17:03 – 17:10 Context Setting (7 mins)
Keynote delivered focusing on –
- African ICT Development Facts & Figures
- Complementarity over competition among technologies
- Technology neutrality as best practices
- Beating persisting coverage gaps linked to geographic and economic challenges – importance of collaboration
- Affordability and literacy as core to meaningful connectivity
SG – ITU 17:10 – 17:50 Panelist Pitches (5 min each × 8 = 40 mins)
Panelist pitch focusing on the role of each connectivity approach to address meaningful connectivity.
- The coverage gap in Africa remains linked to geographic and economic challenges – What policy considerations must Africa prioritize to urgently address this coverage gap?
(Minister – 1) - The usage gap in Africa is a proven barrier to Africa’s meaningful connectivity – Who should bear the cost of closing the coverage and usage gaps—Operator, Government or Consumer?
(Minister – 2) - Access vs Sovereignty – Technology deployment requires national authorization to enhance trust and security for all users and impartial lawful access across all networks. Sovereignty is non-negotiable; what strategies can Member States adopt to balance the need to preserve sovereignty while accelerating access?
(Minister – 3) - Complementarity over competition – How would you rate Africa’s situation on technology integration—is it mostly siloed or coordinated? How is this manifesting in the deployment of terrestrial and satellite services?
(Regulator) - Technology Neutrality & Complementarity – Policy and regulatory barriers to optimizing the benefits of technology neutrality (Answering the Questions)
- Why are regions including Africa still suffering significant coverage gaps?
(GSOA) - What strategies can enhance collaboration between terrestrial and satellite technologies deployment in Africa?
(GSMA) - Is Quality of Service (QoS & QoE) slowing attainment of Meaningful Connectivity in Africa?
(GSA)
- Why are regions including Africa still suffering significant coverage gaps?
- Usage Gap – How is the present regulatory environment in Africa, affordability levels (devices & data cost) and digital literacy impacting deployment of last-mile broadband connectivity and the attainment of meaningful connectivity?
(Community Centered Connectivity/CNs)
3 Ministers 1 Regulator
GSMA
GSOA
GSA
CN
17:50 – 18:00 Open Discussion
(Q&A)(5 Minutes)Moderated exchange;
- Two questions from the floor.
- 2 Questions from the floor
Moderator,
Panelists &
Floor18:00 – 18:10 Ministerial Declaration (10 Minutes)
Reading and adoption of the Ministerial Declaration on
‘Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity’.Chairperson
CPL-2618:10 – 18:15 Acknowledgement
& Closing(5 Minutes)Acknowledge Session Co-sponsor – ATU partner
GSMA
Thanking panelists
Secretary
General, ATUDigital Africa Summit WORKSHOP
22nd JULY 2026
Advancing Africa’s Digital Future: Data-driven insights to support
Connectivity & Regulatory ModernizationTime Session Presenter Designation Programme 09:00 – 09:10 Africa’s Digital Crossroads: Shaping Regulation and Connectivity for the Decade Ahead John Omo Secretary General,
Africa Telecommunications Union09:10 – 09:25 From Coverage to Connection: Closing Africa’s Usage Gap in the Age of AI Caroline Mbugua Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA 09:25 – 09:40 Regulatory Modernisation: Building the Foundations for Africa’s Digital Decade Michaela Angonius Head of Policy and Regulation, GSMA 09:40 – 10:40 Digital Africa Index Validation & Deep Dive Kalvin Bahia Principal Economist,
GSMA Intelligence (GSMAi)10:40 – 11:00 Refreshment Break 11:00 – 11:45 Regulator Testimonial — Digital Africa Index Bienvenu Comlan Agbokponkto Soglo Spectrum Director, GSMA 11:45 – 12:25 Digital Africa Index — Validation & Deep Dive Kalvin Bahia Principal Economist,
GSMA Intelligence (GSMAi)12:25 – 12:35 Mobile’s Foundational Role in the Digital Economy Roddy McGlynn Manager, International Relations, Government & Regulatory Affairs, GSMA 12:35 – 12:45 Closing & Key Takeaways Caroline Mbugua Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA
Invitation to submit country candidates for election to the ATU Administrative Council for the period 2027-2030 and ATU Constitution & Convention
Invitation to submit country candidates for election to the ATU Administrative Council for the period 2027-2030 and ATU Constitution & Convention
Please fill out the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s health declaration guideline form by clicking here.