African ministers responsible for communication, information technology, and the digital economy have adopted the Algiers Declaration on Fair, Safe, and Responsible Digital Platforms in Africa. This landmark agreement, reached under the auspices of the African Telecommunications Union, represents a unified continental stance aimed at bolstering Africa’s digital sovereignty and rebalancing its relationship with global Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms.
The declaration establishes fair rules for economic contribution, mechanisms for data protection, and standards for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. It also outlines new obligations for platforms operating within the continent.
According to Sid Ali Zerrouki, the Algerian Minister of Post and Telecommunications, the Algiers Declaration project has been approved and is expected to be ratified by the African Union in early 2026. The Minister stated, “We held a ministerial summit and presented the draft Algiers Declaration, which includes platform content and social intelligence. We propose to transform Africa from a content consumer to a decision-maker.”
The Algiers Declaration marks a pivotal step towards solidifying the continent’s digital sovereignty and redefining its relationship with global technology platforms. It not only sets new ground rules for engagement between Africa and these companies but also reflects a profound shift in the continent’s awareness of its rights and its ability to shape its digital future.
With this declaration, Africa asserts its ambition to be an active partner and standard-setter in a rapidly changing world where technology increasingly dominates people’s lives. This development paves the way for a new era of joint effort to enhance the continent’s position in the global technological landscape and ensure a safe, fair, and responsible digital space that reflects its identity and protects its interests in the long term.
DZWatch News will continue to follow this developing story.
