• African ministers adopt Algiers Declaration on regulating global digital platforms
  
  
• Framework seeks fairer terms with OTTs, stronger data and AI protections
  
  
• Aims to boost local infrastructure, align with AU digital and governance goals
  

African ministers of telecoms, ICT and the digital economy have adopted the “Algiers Declaration on Fair, Safe and Responsible Digital Platforms in Africa.” The document was approved during the fourth African Start-up Conference held in Algiers from Dec. 6-8.

The declaration outlines the key principles for a future unified framework to regulate Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, which provide online content and communication services outside traditional networks. Drafted under the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), it will be submitted to the African Union for political approval expected in early 2026, Algerian authorities said.

OTT services include social media platforms, streaming services, messaging apps and online AI tools. They capture a growing share of Africa’s digital economy, yet most remain governed by regulations in the countries where they are headquartered.

Telecom operators across the continent have long argued that they invest heavily in network infrastructure while large digital platforms, mainly from the United States, Europe and China, collect most of the revenue. Officials said the Algiers Declaration aims to provide a coordinated African response.

One of the declaration’s central goals is to build a common African position in global digital governance. “Africa refuses to remain only a consumer market or a source of data without a fair partnership. The adoption of the Algiers Declaration is a strong message of unity,” Algerian ICT Minister Sid Ali Zerrouki said.

ATU Secretary General John Omo said African countries must examine the benefits the continent receives from global OTT platforms and jointly address the future of data flows and their security.

The declaration sets several priorities. African states commit to coordinating their discussions with major digital platforms to strengthen bargaining power and avoid fragmented national approaches. It also proposes that platforms help finance local infrastructure and digital-skills development and reinvest part of their revenue in Africa.

The text calls for stronger personal data protection rules and responsible standards for the use of artificial intelligence to reduce risks such as discrimination or intrusive surveillance. It also supports enhanced oversight of online content, including efforts to curb hate speech and disinformation, while pledging to respect freedom of expression.

The Algiers Declaration aligns with wider African Union strategies on data governance, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. Its focus is the relationship between African states and large digital platforms, an area often regulated inconsistently across national laws. It also applies to African start-ups and regional firms.

Officials stressed that any future continental rules must not hinder the growth of young African companies. Experts say one approach could involve strict obligations for major global platforms and more flexible requirements for smaller domestic players, with contributions from multinational OTTs helping fund African content creation or developer training.

The next step is for the declaration to be presented in Addis Ababa for formal adoption and eventual translation into binding legal instruments. While it does not settle all questions about Africa’s position toward global digital platforms, it marks the beginning of a coordinated continental framework whose impact will become clearer in the months ahead.

Muriel EDJO