The Federal Government, European Union (EU), and African Union (AU) have called for a harmonised data governance framework to strengthen data protection across Africa.
The appeal was made on Monday in Abuja at the opening of a five-day study visit for Data Protection Authorities, hosted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
NDPC’s National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said while 36 African countries have data protection laws, only 26 have set up dedicated authorities. He stressed that Africa’s 1.4 billion population offers huge digital economy opportunities under AfCFTA, but only with strong governance and cross-border cooperation.
Nigeria, he added, has generated over $1.5m in registration fees and trained more than 23,000 Data Protection Officers in the past three years.
EU’s Massimo de Luca said data protection builds trust, attracts investment, and is key to achieving a digital single market, while Germany’s Felix Reinhold insisted Africa must retain control of its data to drive local innovation.
AU’s Christelle Onana recalled that the adoption of the AU Data Protection Policy Framework in 2022 marked a bold step toward unified governance, noting that the Abuja study tour would help member states translate the framework into national action.
Delegates from Tanzania, Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Botswana, and Nigeria are attending the programme.
