Agency Report
- African data protection authorities adopted a new 2026-2030 roadmap during a conference held this week in Abidjan.
- Regulators want stronger coordination on data governance, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
- The initiative reflects growing concerns over digital sovereignty as Africa’s digital economy expands.
African regulators want closer coordination on data protection and digital governance across the continent.
Meeting this week in Abidjan during the 9th conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP), representatives from 24 African countries adopted a new roadmap covering the 2026-2030 period.
The conference, organized by Côte d’Ivoire’s Telecommunications and ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), focused on building a common African approach to personal data governance, cybersecurity, and the regulation of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
In the final declaration adopted at the meeting, regulators called on African governments to treat data protection as a strategic issue tied to digital sovereignty rather than simply a legal or administrative matter.
The authorities also called for stronger national data protection agencies, closer coordination between African countries, and stricter compliance requirements for both public institutions and private companies.
Discussions also focused on the need to adapt African regulatory frameworks to the rapid growth of digital financial services, biometric technologies, international platforms, and AI-related applications.
The initiative comes as many African countries accelerate digital transformation projects tied to e-government services, digital payments, and digital identity systems. But regulators say that rapid digitalization is also increasing exposure to cyberattacks, misuse of personal data, and technological dependence on large foreign platforms.
Beyond regulation, African governments are also trying to secure the long-term development of the continent’s digital economy. According to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Africa’s digital economy could reach $721 billion by 2050 if investment and digital adoption continue at scale.
Regulators now see digital trust and data security as essential conditions for the growth of e-commerce, digital financial services, and public digital platforms across the continent.