“Algeria – At the conclusion of the Global Africa Tech 2026 forum, a high-level African ministerial summit was held in the capital, Algiers, bringing together ministers and officials from across the continent, alongside representatives of regional and international organizations, regulatory authorities, and development financing institutions. The summit was chaired by Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Ali Zerrouki.
Algiers Ministerial Declaration: A Binding Continental Framework for Digital Sovereignty
The summit concluded with the adoption of the “Algiers Ministerial Declaration on Sovereignty in African Telecommunications and Integrated Connectivity,” a comprehensive continental policy document comprising fourteen articles that establish binding commitments in vital areas, including:
- Universal connectivity of digital infrastructure.
- Protection of critical digital infrastructure and strengthening cybersecurity.
- Data sovereignty, development of data centers, and internet exchange points.
- Human capital development and strengthening technical capacities.
The implementation horizon for these commitments extends through 2030, in full alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.
“Sovereign Inclusivity”: A New Philosophical Foundation
The declaration enshrines the principle of “sovereign inclusivity” as both a philosophical foundation and a practical approach, rejecting any artificial contradiction between the necessity of connecting people and the requirements of continental digital sovereignty. It emphasizes that expanding access and strengthening strategic autonomy are inseparable and mutually reinforcing objectives.
The declaration also establishes an integrated continental framework that includes:
- Development of data centers and internet exchange points.
- Adoption of sovereign cloud computing solutions hosted on African soil.
- Strengthening cybersecurity and critical infrastructure.
- Supporting locally driven technological ecosystems.
A New Monitoring Mechanism: SPAS-GAT
To ensure the implementation of these commitments, participants agreed to establish a general secretariat for monitoring and coordination known as SPAS-GAT, which will be responsible for:
- Facilitating coordination among member states.
- Encouraging information sharing and best practices.
- Supporting the monitoring of priority projects.
- Mobilizing technical and financial partners.
Its governance, operational framework, and hosting arrangements will be determined through consultation among member states, in a spirit of complementarity with existing African mechanisms.
Algeria as a Model for Collective Action
In his address to the summit, Minister Ali Zerrouki stressed that Algeria is presenting, through this forum, a genuine continental model for collective action, based on the vision of “All Networks, One Convergence,” aimed at achieving full interoperability across the continent’s terrestrial, maritime, and space infrastructure.
Zerrouki affirmed that telecommunications infrastructure is no longer merely a sectoral issue in the narrow sense, but has become a strategic pillar of sovereignty, resilience, and inclusivity, as well as an indispensable foundation for achieving continental economic integration.
Recognition of Presidential Support
Participants in the ministerial summit expressed their profound gratitude and appreciation to the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for his steadfast commitment and continued efforts toward the emergence of a strong, integrated, and influential Africa, built upon a collective vision of development and continental solidarity.
This commitment was reflected in the political and institutional support provided by Algeria to host this forum, as well as in its consistent orientation toward strengthening African integration, deepening cooperation among states, and establishing structured and integrated infrastructure across the continent.
Toward Continental Adoption
At the close of the summit, participants agreed to submit this ministerial declaration to the upcoming African Union Summit for review and adoption, further strengthening its continental character and embedding its orientations at the core of Africa’s strategic agenda.
Activities of the Global Africa Tech 2026 forum will continue until 30 March 2026, with broad participation reflecting the growing momentum of Africa’s continental digital transformation journey. Today, Africa is increasingly aware and determined to build its digital future with sovereignty and independence.
Source: Algerian Minister of Post and Telecommunications Ali Zerrouki – Global Africa Tech 2026
