Ghana’s Sam George Wins Top African Union ICT Position

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

His election was confirmed unanimously during a ministerial meeting in Libreville, Gabon, with his tenure beginning in October 2026.

The appointment gives Ghana a leading role in continental discussions on digital transformation, cybersecurity, data governance and the development of Africa’s technology sector.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr George said the responsibility extended beyond Ghana, describing his new position as a commitment to advancing the collective interests of all African Union member states.

He thanked the government and people of Gabon for hosting the meeting and acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing chairperson, Lesotho’s Minister for Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation, Nthati Morosi, and her team.

Mr George said his leadership would prioritise turning the committee’s policies and commitments into practical results, stressing that Africa needed to accelerate the implementation of its digital development plans.

He identified reliable internet connectivity, effective data management, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as key areas requiring stronger cooperation among African countries.

According to him, the continent must widen access to digital infrastructure, maximise the economic benefits of its data resources and improve its collective capacity to respond to cyber threats.

He also called for the development of artificial intelligence technologies that address Africa’s unique needs and reflect the continent’s priorities.

On international technology governance, the minister urged African countries to strengthen their cooperation in negotiations concerning artificial intelligence, data regulation and digital trade.

He argued that the continent’s population of nearly 1.5 billion people provided significant collective influence that should be used to shape global technology policies and standards.

“Africa must be at the table, not on the menu,” he said, emphasising the need for African countries to speak with one voice in international digital policy discussions.

The minister further cited Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme as an example of initiatives aimed at preparing young people for employment and opportunities in the global digital economy.

He pledged to lead through consultation, consensus-building and practical action, adding that the committee’s achievements over the next two years should be measured by concrete improvements rather than policy statements alone.

His election comes as African countries seek to expand digital access, improve infrastructure, strengthen data protection frameworks and take advantage of emerging technologies.

Ghana’s appointment is expected to create opportunities for the country to contribute to a more coordinated African digital agenda while helping strengthen the continent’s influence in international technology discussions.

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