Communication Minister Calls for Greater African Voice in Global Internet Governance

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called for stronger African representation in global internet governance and Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy discussions to ensure that the continent’s interests are reflected in decisions shaping the digital future.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2026 African School of Internet Governance (AfriSIG) in Accra on Sunday, the Minister said Africa must move beyond being a consumer of technologies and policies developed elsewhere and become an active participant in setting global digital standards.

He noted that the continent’s growing youthful population presents a significant opportunity to influence the future of the internet and stressed the need for increased African participation in international internet governance institutions and decision-making processes.

On artificial intelligence, Mr. George cautioned that systems developed without adequate African data, languages and perspectives could misrepresent the continent and deepen existing inequalities.

He therefore called for greater investment in digital skills, computing capacity, data infrastructure and local innovation, backed by strong data protection and accountability frameworks.

The Minister also noted the need for a common African position in global digital policy engagements, including discussions at the Internet Governance Forum, the International Telecommunication Union and other international standard-setting platforms.

As Chair of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT, he reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Africa’s interests in these engagements.

He urged graduates of the AfriSIG 2026 programme to apply the knowledge acquired to support sound digital policies, effective regulation and inclusive internet governance across the continent.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD