By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has formally presented his vision for the future of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), calling on African nations to rally behind his bid for the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the global telecommunications body.
Speaking at the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26), Tijani outlined an ambitious agenda centred on expanding connectivity, accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, strengthening digital skills, improving public service delivery, and ensuring online safety across Africa.
Addressing ministers, diplomats and telecommunications stakeholders, Tijani anchored his campaign on three compelling stories that, according to him, illustrate the transformative power of digital technology.
He recounted how improved internet connectivity opened international opportunities for him during his academic years, enabling him to secure his first global role in Geneva.
He also narrated the experience of a Nigerian entrepreneur who developed a digital platform to connect hospitals and blood banks in real time after witnessing the death of a woman due to the unavailability of blood during childbirth.
The minister further highlighted the challenges facing African farmers, noting that producers on the continent are increasingly disadvantaged by competitors in countries such as Brazil and Argentina who have embraced artificial intelligence to improve productivity and lower production costs.
According to Tijani, the three stories represent opportunity, the difference between life and death, and livelihoods, the very issues that make digital transformation a necessity rather than a luxury.
He said these realities inspired his decision to seek the ITU’s second-highest office, pledging to work closely with the Secretary-General to ensure Africa occupies a stronger position in the global digital economy.
Tijani promised to champion deeper broadband connectivity across the continent, strengthen Africa’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, expand digital skills training for young people, and promote affordable digital devices to enable wider participation in the digital economy.
He also pledged to support governments in deploying digital technologies to improve public service delivery while working with member states to protect citizens from online threats and cyber harms.
The minister stressed that the ITU must evolve into what he described as the world’s true “digital union,” where every region contributes its unique strengths towards a shared global vision.
He argued that the organisation should break institutional silos, improve coordination among its various departments, strengthen strategic partnerships, enhance operational efficiency and maintain the highest standards of integrity.
“Our collective goal should be to deliver more effectively for member states by creating a stronger, more collaborative and more responsive ITU,” he said.
Highlighting his credentials, Tijani said his academic background includes qualifications in computer science, economics, information systems and management, as well as a doctorate in innovation systems and economic development.
Beyond academia, he pointed to his experience as an entrepreneur and innovation leader, noting that he built one of Africa’s largest technology acceleration and innovation ecosystems with operations in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia, Togo and activities spanning more than 17 African countries.
As Nigeria’s communications minister, he said he has overseen initiatives to mobilise about $2 billion for the deployment of approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure, aimed at expanding broadband access across the country.
He also highlighted efforts to position Nigeria among leading nations in artificial intelligence and the government’s plan to train three million technology talents.
Tijani further underscored his experience within the ITU, citing his work on innovation initiatives and his current role as Chair of the ITU Council, saying these positions have prepared him to help steer the organisation through an increasingly complex global digital landscape.
He further submitted that the current global environment presents Africa with a unique opportunity to strengthen multilateralism, noting that it would be healthy for global governance if the ITU’s top two leadership positions were not occupied by candidates from the same region.
According to him, Africa is well positioned to provide balanced and inclusive leadership capable of strengthening the ITU and advancing equitable digital development worldwide.
