As part of the celebration of the ATU Telecommunications/ICT Day, observed on December 7th each year, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has organized a ministerial discussion session bringing together Mr. Sid Ali Zerrouki, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, with his African counterparts, namely Mr. Sofiene Hemissi, Minister of Communication Technology of the Republic of Tunisia, Mr. Ahmed Salem Bede, Minister of Digital Transformation and Modernization of Administration of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Oumouri Mmadi Hassani, Minister of Post, Communications, Digital Economy and Transparency of Comoros, and Mr. Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Post, Communications and Digital Economy of the Republic of the Congo along with Mrs. Meriem Ben Mouloud, Minister and High Commissioner for Digitization in Algeria.
In his speech, Mr. Sid Ali Zerrouki emphasized that Algeria, a continental country, gives a great importance to this event, reflecting its unwavering commitment to
supporting African joint action in the field of telecommunications and information technologies. Its active commitment within the African Telecommunications Union’s bodies, particularly through chairing the Conference of Plenipotentiaries of this esteemed body, embodies its pivotal role in promoting regional efforts to drive digital integration and enhance technological innovation.
Addressing the theme chosen by the African Telecommunications Union this year: “Accelerating the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Africa through Policies and Innovation for Sustainable Development,” the Minister highlighted the importance Algeria attaches to this topic, stemming from the insightful and visionary outlook of the President of the Republic. He delivered his speech at the opening of the third African Startup Conference, to emphasize the necessary integration of artificial intelligence in consolidating the knowledge economy.
As for participants in the ministerial discussion session, they have focused on the significant role of artificial intelligence in Africa’s socio-economic development, and asserted the need for establishing national strategies in this field, while ensuring the alignment of the African Union’s efforts and strategic frameworks with the global initiatives to guarantee a harmonious and effective adoption of this technology.They have also seized this opportunity to promote the development of infrastructure and telecommunications services across Africa to reduce the digital divide and enhance equitable access to the internet and modern technologies. They also reviewed their countries’ efforts in the development and application of artificial intelligence.
Discussions also tackled the need to invest in robust digital infrastructure and develop local competencies in artificial intelligence, as well as to enhance coordination between public and private actors to integrate artificial intelligence applications in public service management in areas like health, education, and beyond, aiming to improve efficiency and the accessibility and quality of those essential services for citizens.
There was agreement on the need to strengthen cooperation among African countries and work collectively to implement regional policies and initiatives supporting technological innovation and artificial intelligence, ensuring the successful integration of this technology into African societies.
This event represented an opportunity to highlight the importance of African governments’ commitment to establishing appropriate legislative and regulatory frameworks for the application of artificial intelligence, ensuring balanced and ethical development of this technology.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that this celebration holds special symbolism as it coincides with the anniversary of the foundation of the African Telecommunications Union on December 7th, 1977, an organization representing a distinguished framework for multilateral cooperation among the continent’s countries in the field of telecommunications and the widespread use of information and communication technologies.