The global community has taken a significant step toward shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) with the establishment of the United Nations AI Dialogue, an inclusive platform designed to ensure that the governance of AI reflects the priorities of all nations.

Committed to the Global Digital Compact and established by the UN General Assembly, the AI Dialogue provides, for the first time, a universal forum where governments, private sector actors, academia, the technical community, and civil society can collaboratively define how AI is governed worldwide. This initiative aims to ensure that the benefits of AI are equitably shared, while addressing its growing risks through collective action.

As emphasized by António Guterres, “The question is no longer whether AI will transform our world – it already is. The question is whether we will govern this transformation together – or let it govern us.”

The Dialogue will focus on key thematic areas shaped through ongoing global consultations, and it is scheduled for July 6 - 7, 2026, in Geneva. These include the societal, cultural, and economic implications of AI; bridging global AI divides through capacity-building and equitable access; promoting safe, secure, and interoperable AI systems; and ensuring the protection of human rights through transparency, accountability, and human oversight.

By complementing existing initiatives, the AI Dialogue seeks to serve as the central global platform for cooperation on AI governance, ensuring that no country is left behind in shaping the technologies that will define the future.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded its 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) without consensus on extending the eCommerce Moratorium, resulting in its lapse. Introduced in 1998, the moratorium has prevented customs duties on electronic transmissions and has been central to the growth of global digital trade, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups.

Ahead of MC14, the Association for Competitive Technologies (ACT ) led a global advocacy effort to unify MSME and startup voices in support of making the moratorium permanent. As part of this initiative, ACT engaged organizations worldwide, including the Africa ICT Alliance, to build a broad coalition of support. 

AfICTA responded by endorsing and co-signing a joint letter to the WTO as championed by ACT | The App Association,  International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), reinforcing the importance of a duty-free digital trade environment for innovation, startup growth, and inclusive participation in the global digital economy. This collaboration highlights strong alignment between global and African industry stakeholders on the need for policy certainty in digital trade.

Despite the lapse, over 20 WTO members, including the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia, have committed to maintaining a duty-free approach, while 66 members continue negotiations under the Joint Statement Initiative on eCommerce.

While uncertainty remains, the coordinated advocacy led by ACT, supported by AfICTA and other partners, underscores a sustained global push toward securing a permanent and binding moratorium.

AfICTA is pleased to announce its partnership with GITEX on its Nairobi, Kenya edition, which is scheduled for 19-21 May 2026. As part of this collaboration, AfICTA is extending an exclusive opportunity to members of its community to participate in the VIP Executive Meetings Programme, an invitation-only initiative designed for senior leaders and decision-makers shaping the future of digital transformation across Africa.

This complimentary programme offers curated, concierge-led one-on-one meetings aligned with participants’ strategic priorities, alongside access to exclusive CXO briefings, closed-door executive roundtables, and high-level networking engagements. Participants will also have full access to conference sessions and technical workshops covering key areas, including artificial intelligence, deep tech, and emerging technologies.

The VIP Executive Meetings Programme is tailored for C-level executives, senior leaders from public and private sectors, and decision-makers driving AI strategy, investment, and implementation. It presents a unique platform to fast-track partnerships, explore innovative solutions, and gain actionable insights, all within two impactful days.

Kenya’s tech ecosystem is fast emerging as a key driver of Africa’s digital transformation, with artificial intelligence and other innovations revolutionizing industries. The event also provides the platform to discover new opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and position your business at the center of this exciting wave of growth.

For more information and opportunities, you could explore and book your tickets:

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Ms Rachael Shitanda of the Computer Society of Kenya (CSK) has succeeded Ms Ulandi Exner as the Acting Chair of AfICTA pending the election of the substantive Chair by the board.

Following the resignation of Ms Ulandi, the former Chairperson, on April 9, and in line with Section 9.6 of the AfICTA Constitution, and following the board's no objection, the Deputy Chair and Vice-Chair, East Africa of AfICTA, Ms Rachael Shitanda, succeeded her.

Ms Shitanda is a technology leader and computer scientist with expertise in cybersecurity, product development, and IT governance, bringing strong experience in policy, risk management, and digital transformation.

AfICTA remains committed to its vision of fulfilling the promise of the digital age for everyone in Africa and to strengthening collaboration across the continent’s ICT ecosystem.