Communications and Digital Technologies hosts 2026 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference

South Africa participates in the 2026 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar 

The South African delegation, led by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), is participating in the 2026 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), taking place from 9 to 27 November 2026 in Doha, Qatar. 

Convened every four years, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference is the Union’s highest decision-making body. It brings together Member States to determine the organisation’s strategic direction, policies and priorities, and to shape the future of global telecommunications and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

South Africa’s participation reflects its longstanding commitment to multilateralism and constructive engagement in global digital governance, particularly in shaping collective decisions that will influence the future of connectivity, digital transformation and technological innovation.

South Africa’s engagement at PP-26 is informed by its broader national development and digital transformation priorities, as articulated in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy, the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government, the National Data and Cloud Policy, the e-Government Strategy and the emerging national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy framework.

These priorities are further reinforced by South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the work of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG), led by the DCDT, which advanced universal and meaningful connectivity, digital public infrastructure, digital innovation and emerging technologies as key enablers of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

Against this backdrop, South Africa’s engagement at PP-26 will place particular emphasis on affordable access to digital technologies, the digital transformation of government and public services, digital and future skills, data and cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital inclusion. These priorities have farreaching implications for economic participation, service delivery, innovation and the development of secure and resilient digital ecosystems.

South Africa will also advocate for inclusive and equitable access to digital technologies, meaningful participation in the digital economy and sustained efforts to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all countries and communities can benefit from the opportunities presented by digital transformation.

South Africa maintains that the ITU’s strategic direction, programmes and resource allocation must respond to the implementation needs of developing countries and translate into measurable improvements in connectivity, affordability, digital skills, resilience and productive participation in the digital economy. This approach seeks to ensure that international ICT cooperation contributes meaningfully to addressing the digital divide and advancing Africa’s development priorities.

The conference will also elect the ITU’s five elected officials and members of the ITU Council, which serves as the Union’s governing body between Plenipotentiary Conferences. South Africa is seeking re-election to the ITU Council, reaffirming its commitment to advancing the global digital development agenda, ensuring that the development dimension remains central to the ITU’s work and strengthening cooperation among Member States.

Throughout the conference, the South African delegation will engage with ITU Member States and other stakeholders, sharing the country's vision and respectfully seeking their support for its re-election to the Council. As a current Council member, South Africa has worked alongside fellow Member States to strengthen the governance of the Union and advance an inclusive global ICT agenda. Re-election would enable the country to build on this contribution and continue participating constructively in the Council’s strategic deliberations and decision-making on the development of the global ICT ecosystem.

South Africa’s candidature is anchored in principles that it will continue to champion within the Council. These include the promotion of equitable and efficient access to radio-frequency spectrum and satellite-orbital resources; the expansion of broadband connectivity through fibre, resilient infrastructure and safe digital ecosystems; an open and accessible standardisation environment that supports developing countries and emerging innovators; and a commitment to interoperability, technology neutrality and interconnected ICT ecosystems.

South Africa further supports the use of ICTs to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate-resilient development, alongside strong financial oversight within the ITU and the efficient utilisation of resources to strengthen programme delivery.

Re-election would allow South Africa to carry this work forward with continuity and purpose. During the 2027–2030 term, South Africa intends to contribute to the implementation of the WSIS+20 outcomes and the advancement of the SDGs; support practical progress on digital public infrastructure, the resilience of submarine cables and the safe and equitable use of artificial intelligence; and continue advocating for child online protection and early-warning systems.

Throughout this period, South Africa will remain committed to working constructively with all Member States and ensuring that the Council serves the collective interests and development priorities of the ITU membership.

South Africa’s candidature is also guided by its commitment to Africa’s digital development. As one of the Council members representing Region D, South Africa will continue working alongside fellow African Member States to ensure that the continent’s priorities, including digital inclusion, affordable and meaningful connectivity, technological innovation and capacity development, receive due attention in global ICT discussions.

Through its participation at PP-26, the DCDT reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to international cooperation, multilateral engagement and the strengthening of partnerships among Member States. South Africa respectfully looks forward to the continued confidence and support of the ITU membership as the global community works together towards an inclusive, secure and sustainable digital future for all.

For media enquiries: DCDT 
Media Liaison Officer: 
Ms Tlangelani Manganyi 
Cell: 060 886 4670 
Email: tmanganyi@dcdt.gov.za 
URL: www.dcdt.gov.za  
Facebook: Department of Communications & Digital Technologies 
X: @CommsZA

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