African Union Advances Digital Agenda Ahead of WSIS+20 Review

On December 9, 2025, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Kanono Ramashamole, chaired a virtual consultative meeting of the African Union body responsible for communication and information technologies. The session aimed to finalise draft guidelines for African Union Member States ahead of the World Summit on the Information Society Plus Twenty (WSIS+20) Review negotiations, scheduled from December 14 to 17, 2025, in New York.

The meeting convened representatives from Member States and international partners to refine Africa’s common position. In his opening remarks, Mr Ramashamole emphasized the need for a unified African voice to ensure the continent’s digital priorities guide global discussions. He underlined the importance of aligning Africa’s positions with broader international strategies, including the Baku World Telecommunication Development Conference Action Plan.

Key areas highlighted in the draft guidelines included digital inclusion, capacity building, sustainable digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and equitable access to emerging technologies. These focus areas aim to strengthen Africa’s role in shaping global digital policies and ensuring that the continent benefits from technological advancements.

Lesotho contributed actively to the discussions, presenting positions it considers essential to the ongoing WSIS process and the continent’s digital future. The collaborative effort seeks to ensure that African nations negotiate from a position of unity, influence, and shared priorities at the WSIS+20 Review.

The outcomes of this consultative meeting will inform Africa’s stance during the December negotiations, reinforcing the continent’s commitment to advancing digital development, bridging the digital divide, and securing a stronger presence in global information and communication technology policymaking.