Algiers, DZWatch News – African Ministers of Communications, Information Technology, and Digital Economy have officially endorsed the ‘Algiers Declaration,’ a pivotal initiative aimed at establishing fair, secure, and responsible digital platforms across the continent.
The ‘Algiers Declaration’ is slated to be presented to the African Union for final adoption in early 2026. This landmark agreement signifies a unified African approach to navigating the complexities of the global digital landscape.
According to Sid Ali Zerrouki, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, the declaration marks a shift for Africa, transforming it ‘from a mere content consumer to a decision-maker’ in the digital realm. He emphasized the continent’s urgent need for a unified framework to govern its relationship with major digital platforms, ensuring a stronger position in the global digital economy.
The ‘Algiers Declaration’ seeks to solidify a common African stance on digital platforms by establishing fair rules for economic contribution and defining clear obligations for global Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms operating within the continent. Crucially, it incorporates mechanisms for data protection, safeguarding the digital sovereignty of African nations, and setting precise standards for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
The declaration aims to rebalance the relationship between Africa and major digital platforms by strengthening the negotiating power of African governments and regulating digital markets. This will foster a more equitable and secure environment for users and businesses across the continent.
Furthermore, the declaration underscores the need for investment in African digital infrastructure and the development of national sector ecosystems. This is essential for accelerating digital transformation and enabling Africa to leverage its resources and data in a way that serves its economic and developmental interests.
