Abuja, Nigeria – The ongoing conference of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) witnessed a key milestone as delegates gathered at the Transcorp Centre for the first plenary session, centred on the theme: “Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of a Harmonized Regulatory Framework.”
The session brought together high-level stakeholders, policymakers, and regulators from across the continent to deliberate on the pressing need for a unified approach to data protection in Africa. In his compelling keynote address, Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, a leading cybersecurity expert, offered a comprehensive analysis of the diverse data protection regulations currently in force across African nations. He highlighted the fragmented nature of existing frameworks and emphasized the urgent need for regulatory alignment to safeguard privacy rights, foster digital trust, and enable cross-border data flows.
Ajijola further stressed that a harmonized regulatory approach would not only streamline compliance for multinational entities but also reinforce Africa’s position in the global data governance landscape.
The session also featured an insightful panel discussion chaired by Omar Seghrouchni, National Commissioner of Morocco’s National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection. The panel brought together an array of distinguished data protection leaders including Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC); Ousmane Thiongane, President of Senegal’s Commission for the Protection of Personal Data; Kassit Immaculate, Data Protection Commissioner of Kenya; and Luciano Hounkponou, President of Benin’s Personal Data Protection Authority, who represented the Chairperson of the High Authority for the Protection of Personal Data in Niger.
The panelists shared country-specific experiences and challenges in implementing data protection laws, while advocating for deeper collaboration among African data protection authorities. Discussions also examined the role of regional bodies such as the African Union in driving standardization and facilitating mutual recognition of data protection regimes.
As digital economies across Africa continue to grow, the call for regulatory coherence has become more critical. This plenary session served as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and action toward building a robust, harmonized data protection environment that supports innovation, protects personal data, and respects citizens’ rights.
The NADPA-RAPDP conference continues with further sessions scheduled to deepen discussions on regulatory cooperation, enforcement, and emerging data protection trends across the continent.
