Ghana’s Sam George unanimously elected Chair of AU ICT Committee for two years

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has been unanimously confirmed as Chairperson of the African Union’s Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and Information and Communications Technology (AU STC-CICT) for a two-year term beginning in October 2026.

The unanimous confirmation, secured at the committee’s ministerial session in Libreville, Gabon, places Ghana at the forefront of continental efforts to advance digital transformation, strengthen cybersecurity cooperation and promote Africa’s interests in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.

Accepting the chairmanship, Samuel Nartey George described the appointment as a responsibility to the entire African Union rather than a privilege for Ghana alone.

He expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Gabon for hosting the meeting, while commending the outgoing chairperson, Lesotho’s Minister for Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation, Nthati Morosi, and the outgoing bureau for their stewardship.

The Ghanaian Minister pledged to build on the committee’s existing work, stressing that Africa must move beyond policy declarations to the effective implementation of its digital development agenda.

He identified connectivity, data governance, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as priority areas requiring urgent and coordinated action by member states.

According to him, Africa must expand access to reliable connectivity, ensure that its data resources deliver value to its people, strengthen collective responses to cyber threats and develop artificial intelligence solutions that reflect African realities and priorities.

On the continent’s position in the global technology landscape, George called for a unified African voice in international negotiations on artificial intelligence, data and digital trade.

He maintained that Africa’s collective strength, representing nearly 1.5 billion people, must be harnessed to influence global technology standards and policies rather than leaving individual countries to negotiate from weaker positions.

“Africa must be at the table, not on the menu,” he stressed, calling for greater continental coordination in shaping the future of the digital economy.

The Minister also highlighted Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme as an example of efforts to equip young people with the digital skills needed to participate in the global technology industry.

He said Ghana’s leadership would focus on listening to member states, building consensus and driving implementation, insisting that the committee’s performance over the next two years must be judged by tangible outcomes.

The chairmanship comes at a critical time as African countries seek to bridge the digital divide, strengthen digital infrastructure, improve data governance and position themselves to benefit from emerging technologies.

Ghana’s unanimous confirmation is expected to provide an opportunity for the country to contribute to a more coordinated continental approach to digital development and strengthen Africa’s collective voice in global technology discussions.