The urgent implementation of the One Africa Network (OAN) is required to slash communication costs across the continent, says Shadric Namalomba, Malawi minister of information and communications technology.
Regulatory fragmentation, infrastructure gaps and investment barriers have previously hampered the OAN, an initiative established by Smart Africa in 2015 to promote free roaming, data sovereignty and economic integration.
The African Union (AU) endorsed the project at its inception.
High roaming and data costs are a tax on African unity, says Namalomba. Speaking at the Connected Africa Summit 2026 in Kenya, he called for a clear roadmap and binding timelines from all member states to ensure the digital revolution does not leave any country behind.
"We must move from policy talk to tangible action - starting with harmonising our regulatory frameworks and lowering barriers for cross-border data flows."
The four-day summit, which concludes today, features African leaders, including President William Ruto of Kenya.
Malawi remains ready to work with other African nations to ensure the continent succeeds through these digital partnerships.
"Malawi is already investing in last-mile connectivity and digital public infrastructure, and we will only succeed if we act as one continent.” says Namalomba.
The OAN aims to create a "borderless" communications network. However, progress has been slow as member states struggle to align national security concerns with the goal of free-flowing data and reduced tariffs for citizens travelling within the AU.
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