African leaders call for unified digital markets and sovereignty

At the MOBEX Africa 2026 conference, leaders emphasized the need for increased digital collaboration across the continent to drive economic growth and secure digital sovereignty.

Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, urged African nations to move away from 54 disconnected markets by implementing interoperable payment systems, trusted digital identities, and aligned regulations. He noted that such integration would facilitate cross-border trade, job creation, and increased exports, highlighting Ghana’s role as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat.

Former Nigerian Vice President Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo also called for stronger collaboration to improve digital infrastructure and data control. He raised concerns regarding the ownership and accountability of citizen data, noting that the current balance of digital power favors wealthier nations and major global technology firms. Osinbajo argued that while individual nations may struggle to compete independently, strategic investments in local capabilities can help Africa achieve meaningful digital sovereignty.