Algerian Radio
The African Ministerial Summit on Telecommunications, held this week as part of the Global Africa Tech event, culminated in the launch of the Algiers Declaration on Sovereign African Telecommunications (2026-2030), according to a statement from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications issued on Wednesday.
The same source explained that the Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Mr. Sid Ali Zerrouki, presided over a high-level African ministerial summit during this event. The summit brought together ministers and officials from various countries across the continent, alongside representatives of regional and international organizations, regulatory bodies, and development finance institutions.
According to the statement, the summit’s proceedings were dedicated to strategic discussions on digital sovereignty and integrated connectivity across the continent, viewed as crucial pillars in the journey toward comprehensive continental integration.
The summit’s proceedings culminated in the adoption of the ‘Algiers Ministerial Declaration on African Telecommunications Sovereignty and Integrated Connectivity’. It is considered an “inclusive continental political document that consists of 14 articles establishing commitments in universal connectivity, the protection of critical digital infrastructure, data sovereignty, and human capital development”. The implementation of these commitments spans the 2026-2030 period, in “full harmony with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union's Agenda 2063”.
The same source stated that this declaration establishes “an integrated continental framework covering the development of data centers, internet exchange points (IXPs), and sovereign cloud computing solutions on African soil, while enhancing cybersecurity and supporting homegrown technological ecosystems”.
In this regard, the participants agreed to establish a General Secretariat for Follow-up and Coordination. This body will work to “facilitate coordination among member states, encourage the exchange of information and best practices, support the monitoring of priority projects, and mobilize technical and financial partners”.
In his speech, Mr. Zerrouki emphasized that Algeria is presenting a “true continental model for joint action,” based on the vision of “All Networks, One Convergence”. This vision aims to “achieve full interoperability of the continent's terrestrial, maritime, and space infrastructures”. He highlighted that telecommunications infrastructure is “no longer a narrow sectoral issue but has become a strategic pillar for sovereignty, resilience, and inclusivity, and an indispensable foundation for achieving continental economic integration”.
For their part, the participants in the Ministerial Summit expressed their “deep gratitude and appreciation to the President of the Republic of Algeria, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for his steadfast commitment and continuous efforts toward the emergence of a strong, integrated, and influential Africa, based on a collective vision of development and continental solidarity”.
At the conclusion of the summit, the participants agreed to present this Ministerial Declaration to the upcoming African Union Summit for review and adoption. This move aims to reinforce its continental character and integrate its directives into the heart of the continent's strategic agenda, according to the same source.
