ICT Minister Ateny calls for stronger China-Africa digital and AI Cooperation
Author: Michael Daniel | Published: 9 hours ago
South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, has called for expanded cooperation between African nations and China in artificial intelligence, digital governance, and emerging technologies.
Addressing delegates at the China-Africa Digital Capacity Building and Cooperation Conference in Hangzhou, China, Minister Ateny urged governments, industry leaders, and international representatives to deepen technological partnerships to accelerate digital development across the continent.
The four-day conference brought together ICT ministers from several African countries, Chinese government agencies, and technology executives to formulate joint digital initiatives.
Running alongside the summit, more than 30 African officials, business executives, and international delegates are participating in a 10-day digital development training program that began on August 24.
The initiative marks the initial implementation of China’s commitment at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference to provide technical AI training to developing nations over the next five years.
Jointly organized by the China-Africa Digital Technology Cooperation Centre and the Global Development Promotion Centre of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the curriculum covers smart manufacturing, digital governance, and artificial intelligence through lectures, site visits, and industry exchanges.
On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Ateny held bilateral exploratory talks with Eric Ma, Huawei Vice President for Global Public Business.
Minister Ateny reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to collaborating with Chinese technology firms, stating that the government seeks Huawei’s technical expertise to expand digital infrastructure and improve connectivity for public services.
Huawei’s Eric Ma noted that the company has operated in South Sudan for more than a decade, establishing a foundation of mutual understanding to support future digital infrastructure projects.
The engagements reflect broader efforts by South Sudan to expand digital capacity and secure technical partnerships across the ICT sector.