Abuja: The Federal Government, EU, and African Union have jointly called for the development of a harmonised data governance framework aimed at enhancing data protection across Africa. This appeal was made during the inauguration of a five-day data governance study visit for Data Protection Authorities, an initiative hosted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of NDPC, highlighted that while 36 African countries have enacted data protection laws, only 26 have established dedicated data protection authorities. Olatunji emphasized that enacting laws is insufficient; effective data protection necessitates implementation and cross-border cooperation among countries. He pointed out Africa’s population of over 1.4 billion as a significant opportunity for a thriving digital economy under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which can only be achieved through a unified digital market supported by responsible data flow and robust governance.
Dr. Olatunji also shared that Nigeria has generated over $1.5 million in registration fees and has trained more than 23,000 Data Protection Officers (DPOs) over the past three years. Meanwhile, Sen. Salisu Afolabi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, mentioned the introduction of the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, which aims to eliminate legal uncertainties in electronic transactions. He stressed the importance of collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes to align with global best practices and encouraged data protection authorities to incorporate Artificial Intelligence into data governance structures and engage lawmakers in formulating relevant laws.
Mr. Massimo de Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, underscored the role of strong data governance frameworks in sustaining emerging technologies. He noted that data protection is crucial for fostering trust among citizens and businesses, driving economic growth, and attracting investment, thereby facilitating data flows for regional prosperity. He emphasized the need for data protection authorities to help realize the African digital single market in alignment with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union data policy framework.
Mr. Felix Reinhold, a representative from the German Embassy, emphasized the necessity for African countries to secure their data internally, advocating for data sovereignty to protect citizens’ privacy and rights. He stressed that the value generated from data should contribute to local innovation, sustainable development, and the well-being of African societies while cautioning against data monopolies.
Mrs. Christelle Onana, Head of Digitalisation at the African Union, reflected on the significance of the AU Data Protection Policy Framework adopted in February 2022. She described it as a bold step towards a unified data governance structure, aiming to drive secure, rights-based digital transformation across the continent. The current study tour, she noted, represents a strategic investment in supporting member states to translate the continental framework into national actions.
Delegates from Tanzania, Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Botswana, and Nigeria participated in the tour, reflecting a collective effort towards improving data governance in Africa.