The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) have called on African countries to harmonise data protection frameworks to strengthen the continent’s data security and digital economy.
The call was made on Monday in Abuja at the opening of a five-day data governance study tour for Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) from Tanzania, Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Botswana, and Nigeria. The programme is hosted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo de Luca, said emerging technologies offered opportunities for efficiency and empowerment but required strong governance systems. He noted that data protection builds trust, attracts investment, and is critical to achieving Africa’s digital single market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A representative of the German Embassy in Nigeria, Felix Reinhold, stressed that Africa’s data must remain within the continent. He said this would protect citizens’ privacy while ensuring the economic value of data contributes to innovation, sustainable development, and regional cooperation.
NDPC National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, disclosed that while 36 African countries had enacted data protection laws, only 26 had established dedicated authorities. He stressed the need for implementation and cross-border collaboration to unlock the opportunities of Africa’s 1.4 billion population. He urged countries to design homegrown frameworks that reflect local realities while drawing from global best practices.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Salisu Afolabi, said the National Assembly was working on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill to address legal gaps in electronic transactions. He assured that the bill, developed in partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, would align with international standards.
