African group sets unified agenda as WTDC-25 opens in Baku
Date: 2025-11-17
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) opened today in Baku,
Azerbaijan, launching two weeks of negotiations focused on achieving universal,
meaningful and affordable connectivity worldwide. The conference brings
together government officials, industry leaders and development partners to
shape global digital development priorities for the next four years.
At
the first African Group caucus meeting, chaired by Côte d’Ivoire, member states
aligned their positions and advanced a unified agenda to ensure that Africa’s
digital development priorities are strongly represented in the upcoming
discussions. The coordinated approach is expected to guide the continent’s
engagement throughout the conference, particularly on issues related to
infrastructure expansion, capacity building, digital inclusion and
affordability.
WTDC-25,
organized by the International Telecommunication Union, will run until 28
November and is expected to adopt a new Declaration and Action Plan to
strengthen global cooperation in bridging digital divides and expanding the
benefits of connectivity to underserved communities.
