The Federal Government, European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) on Monday called on Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) across Africa to work towards a harmonised data governance framework for the continent.
The call was made at the opening of a five-day data governance study visit for African DPAs, hosted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja.
Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of NDPC, said that while 36 African countries had enacted data protection laws, only 26 had set up dedicated DPAs. He stressed that implementation and cross-border cooperation were critical to harness Africa’s digital economy potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area. “This can only be realised if the continent develops a single digital market supported by responsible data flow and strong governance,” he said.
Olatunji disclosed that Nigeria had generated over 1.5 million dollars in registration fees and trained more than 23,000 Data Protection Officers in three years.
Sen. Salisu Afolabi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, said lawmakers had drafted the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill to strengthen electronic transactions. He urged African DPAs to leverage Artificial Intelligence in data governance and engage legislators on robust laws.
Mr Massimo de Luca, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said data protection was central to promoting trust and attracting investment. “It is essential for building Africa’s digital single market in line with AfCFTA and AU’s data policy framework,” he said.
German envoy Mr Felix Reinhold stressed the need for African countries to secure their data internally, warning against data monopolies. “Africa’s data should remain in Africa’s hands to drive innovation, sustainable development and citizens’ wellbeing,” he said.
AU official Mrs Christelle Onana described the 2022 AU Data Protection Policy Framework as a milestone for digital transformation and urged countries to translate the continental vision into national action.
The study tour brought together delegates from Tanzania, Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Botswana and Nigeria.
(NAN)
