African data protection authorities have called for stronger digital governance, regulatory independence, and continent-wide cooperation following the conclusion of a major conference on personal data protection in Abidjan.
The four-day gathering, which brought together representatives from dozens of African countries, ended with the adoption of the “Abidjan Declaration,” a framework aimed at accelerating the harmonization of data protection standards across Africa.
Participants at the 9th Conference of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities emphasized the need to strengthen the independence of national regulatory bodies and improve accountability in both the public and private sectors as African economies undergo rapid digital transformation.
The declaration also positions personal data protection as a strategic pillar for the continent’s digital future, amid growing concerns over cybersecurity risks, cross-border data governance, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence and digital platforms in African economies.
African regulators said fragmented legal systems and uneven enforcement mechanisms continue to limit trust in digital services and complicate cross-border digital trade within the continent.
The conference highlighted the importance of developing common regulatory standards capable of supporting innovation while protecting citizens’ privacy rights.
Officials also stressed the need for greater investment in institutional capacity, digital infrastructure, and regulatory cooperation as African governments accelerate digitalization strategies in sectors including finance, telecommunications, public administration, and e-commerce.
The discussions come as several African countries are updating or introducing new data protection laws aligned with international standards, including frameworks inspired by Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Digital governance has become an increasingly important issue for African policymakers seeking to attract technology investment while strengthening digital sovereignty and consumer trust.
The Abidjan Declaration is expected to serve as a roadmap for deeper continental collaboration on data governance and digital regulation in the coming years.