GSMA and African Union Collaborate to Boost Continental AI and Connectivity

Image: Illustrative image · Visma17 · CC0 · Source

At MWC26, GSMA and African Union leaders stressed Africa's potential to benefit from AI in telecoms, highlighting the need for coordinated investment, infrastructure development, and policy leadership.

During the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Doha, the GSMA's chief regulatory officer, John Giusti, emphasized Africa's readiness to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) within the telecommunications sector. Highlighting the continent's diverse cultures and languages, Giusti pointed out the necessity for tailored AI models, robust infrastructure, and reliable power supplies to address Africa's unique digital environment. He underscored the importance of proactive policy leadership from governments and institutions to foster conditions conducive to AI adoption.

Giusti notably praised the African Union (AU), an institution that unites 55 African member states, for its role in aligning regulatory frameworks and telecom ambitions across the continent. Formed in 2002 to drive cooperation and economic growth, the AU is now intensifying its focus on advancing digital and AI objectives.

Her Excellency Lerato D. Mataboge, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, elaborated on the continent's vision to transcend being mere consumers of AI technology by actively participating in its development and regulatory governance. She stressed Africa's youthful demographic as a critical driver for AI adoption and highlighted that comprehensive planning is essential to harness this potential effectively.

Mataboge pointed out that digital transformation requires a holistic ecosystem view, linking digital infrastructure and energy supply closely. She observed that the current approach of treating these elements separately weakens the ecosystem and called for integrated strategies encompassing infrastructure, skills development, and capital investment.

Efforts are underway to mobilize "African-led capital" to support these goals, with ongoing discussions about optimal deployment. Although the AU advocates for home-grown solutions, Mataboge acknowledged the importance of international cooperation, citing existing partnerships with the GSMA and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and intentions to deepen global collaborations.

Ultimately, the commissioner believes that successful investment in skills and infrastructure will foster greater digital inclusion and contribute to a more independent African digital economy. The collaboration between the GSMA and the African Union signals a strategic movement toward cohesive continental connectivity and AI integration strategies.