Samuel Nartey George confirmed as Chair of AU digital committee

Ghana's Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has been officially confirmed as the Chair of the African Union (AU) Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and Information Communication Technology (STC-ICT). The confirmation marks a significant diplomatic and technical milestone for Ghana within the continental body. In his acceptance address, George acknowledged the weight of the responsibility, noting that his leadership would be dedicated to the collective progress of all African Union member states rather than national interests alone. Regarding his vision for the continent, the Minister called for African nations to unify their efforts and negotiate as a single market of nearly 1.5 billion people. He argued that a fragmented approach to digital policy limits the continent's bargaining power on the global stage. George emphasized the urgent need to operationalize existing AU frameworks, specifically those targeting digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, and data protection. By streamlining these policies, he believes Africa can create a more robust and secure digital environment that attracts investment and protects citizens. Furthermore, a central pillar of George’s two-year chairmanship will be the empowerment of Africa’s youth. He highlighted the importance of providing young innovators with the tools and opportunities necessary to drive the continent's technological future. To achieve this, he outlined a priority list focused on fostering consensus among member states, encouraging deep cooperation, and delivering measurable results. His tenure begins at a critical juncture as the AU seeks to bridge the digital divide and establish responsible guidelines for the development of emerging technologies. In conclusion, the STC-ICT plays a vital role in coordinating the AU’s strategies for communications and cybersecurity. Under George's leadership, the committee is expected to accelerate the implementation of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. This includes improving digital access in underserved regions and strengthening the continent’s defenses against cyber threats. The appointment underscores Ghana's growing influence in the digital policy space under the administration of President John Mahama.