Harare, (New Ziana) –African countries should take a leading role in shaping global digital governance, as the continent risks having policies imposed on it if it fails to actively participate in international telecommunications negotiations, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Zimbabwean Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera said this while officially opening of the 2nd Africa Preparatory Meeting for the International Telecommunications United Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Victoria Falls on Wednesday.
Mavetera, who was represented by her Deputy Dingimuzi Phuti, said Africa should move from being a “rule-taker” to becoming a co-author of the global digital framework.
Held under the theme “Universal, Meaningful and Affordable Connectivity for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future,” the high-level gathering brought together telecommunications experts, policymakers and digital innovators from across the continent ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.
Mavetera stressed that the upcoming PP-26 conference would determine crucial global issues, including international frequency spectrum allocation, cybersecurity frameworks, artificial intelligence governance, universal connectivity targets, and the future structure of the International Telecommunication Union.
“If Africa does not prepare, Africa will be prepared for by others,” she said.
She described the preparatory meeting as more than a technical engagement, calling it “an act of strategic sovereignty” where African nations should forge common positions that reflect the continent’s developmental priorities and ambitions for digital transformation.
Mavetera said Zimbabwe was already taking major steps to strengthen its digital ecosystem, highlighting several policy milestones achieved this year.
Among the major developments is the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030), launched in March this year, making the country one of the first in Southern Africa to adopt a comprehensive national AI roadmap.
The strategy focuses on ethical governance, AI skills development and what the government termed “computational sovereignty,” with authorities emphasizing Ubuntu-driven innovation that ensures technology serves people rather than replacing them.
Zimbabwe has also completed a National Cybersecurity Strategy aimed at protecting critical digital infrastructure and citizens’ data from growing cyber threats.
According the government, more than 10,000 young Zimbabweans are currently being trained in ethical hacking and cyber-defence as part of efforts to transform cybersecurity into an economic opportunity for the country.
On child safety in digital spaces, Mavetera said Zimbabwe is finalizing a Child Online Protection Policy to shield minors from harmful social media content, promote digital literacy, and empower parents.
Mavetera also spoke on her recent appointment to the Smart Africa AI Board, saying the platform would help accelerate artificial intelligence adoption across Africa while ensuring the continent speaks with one voice on global AI governance.
She said Africa’s digital future should prioritize young innovators, ethical technology development and inclusive access to emerging technologies.
During the meeting, delegates are expected to craft common African positions on key PP-26 agenda items such as spectrum management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and universal connectivity.
Mavetera also called for stronger alliances with the private sector, civil society and other regional blocs to strengthen Africa’s influence during the global conference.
In a symbolic proposal, Zimbabwe urged delegates to adopt the name “Victoria Falls Commitment to Digital Sovereignty and Inclusion” for the collective outcomes of the preparatory meeting.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya – “The Smoke That Thunders” – Mavetera said Africa, like the Falls, is “diverse, powerful and unstoppable.”
“Let our voice at PP-26 be the thunder that the world cannot ignore,” she said.
New Ziana
