AI Innovation vs. Privacy: African Regulators Chart Path at NADPA-RAPDP 2025 Conference

AI Innovation vs. Privacy: African Regulators Chart Path at NADPA-RAPDP 2025 Conference

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

The fourth plenary session of the 2025 Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) Conference and Annual General Meeting took centre stage with an engaging discourse on the theme, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa: Privacy Paradox.” The session, which drew leading minds in AI policy and data protection, was chaired by Tahir Latif, Vice President and Data Privacy and AI Governance Officer at the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority.

In a keynote address delivered on behalf of Dr ’Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bunmi Ajala—Senior Special Adviser on AI, Data & Research—highlighted the urgent need for African nations to strike a delicate balance between technological advancement and the protection of citizens’ privacy rights.

The session unpacked the growing tension between rapid AI adoption across the continent and the imperative to enforce data privacy regulations. Discussions revolved around practical strategies to ensure that innovation in AI does not trample on human rights, with emphasis on the pivotal role African regulators must play in shaping the ethical framework of AI development.

A distinguished panel lent diverse perspectives to the conversation. Speakers included Dr Ololade Shyllon, Director of Privacy Policy for Africa, Middle East and Turkey at Meta; Dr Thuweba Diwani, Head of Project at GIZ/Digital Transformation Center Nigeria; Teki Akuetteh, Senior Partner at Nsiah Akuetteh & Co and Executive Director of the Africa Digital Rights Hub; and Adewole Adene, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google.

The session served as a clarion call for stronger, harmonised regulatory frameworks to guide AI deployment on the continent, while championing individual privacy rights.

#ChampioningPrivacyRights #NADPA2025 #PrivacyInAction #BalancingInnovation

NITDA Strengthens Collaboration with Key Government Agencies to Enhance IT Project Oversight

NITDA Strengthens Collaboration with Key Government Agencies to Enhance IT Project Oversight

 

In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at bolstering effective governance and service delivery, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has intensified efforts to ensure transparency and efficiency in federal IT projects.

As part of its mandate to act as the clearing house for all government IT initiatives, NITDA on Thursday paid strategic visits to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAuGF). The visits focused on presenting the newly reviewed IT Project Clearance Guideline Document for feedback and collaboration.

The document, which is central to preventing corruption and duplication in government IT procurement, is also designed to foster accountability and value delivery in public sector technology investments.

Speaking during the engagements, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, noting that no single institution can drive digital economic transformation in isolation. “We must work together to ensure IT projects truly serve the public interest and propel national development,” Inuwa said.

At the Bureau of Public Procurement, Director General Dr. Adebowale Adedokun welcomed the initiative and emphasised the need to standardise IT Project Bidding Documents. He pledged the Bureau’s readiness to collaborate closely with NITDA.

Similarly, the Auditor General of the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, commended NITDA’s proactive approach. He assured that once the new guidelines are adopted, his office would undertake a performance audit to evaluate their impact on national development.

The joint effort signals a renewed commitment to transparency, digital innovation, and effective governance across Nigeria’s public sector.

 

CyberDome and Cato Networks Collaborate to Deliver SASE in West Africa

CyberDome and Cato Networks Collaborate to Deliver SASE in West Africa

 

 

CyberDome, West Africa’s leading Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), has announced a collaboration with Cato Networks, the SASE leader ,to deliver Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) across the region.

The collaboration has been described as a game changer for organizations in West Africa, delivering the Cato SASE Cloud Platform —which converges networking and security in a single, cloud-native platform through CyberDome’s always-on, locally managed Security operations Center (SOC). The result: a modern,secure-by-design infrastructure built for today’s cloud-first world.

“We’re blowing past the limitations of traditional IT,” said Eyal Titinger, Co-founder of CyberDome. “This collaboration brings together global technology and local expertise to deliver seamless, secure, and scalable connectivity—exactly what West Africa’s fastest-growing enterprises need.”

Goodbye Boxes. Hello Cloud Power.

This collaboration empowers organizations to eliminate legacy hardware and embrace agile, software-defined infrastructure. Benefits

include:

● Real-time, secure connection of users, offices, and cloud

resources across geographies.

● Built-in zero trust and SASE security to protect every edge.

● Simplified IT management and fast, uncompromised scalability.

As West African enterprises accelerate digital transformation and hybrid work models, CyberDome and Cato Networks are uniquely positioned to support their journey—providing a platform that combines agility, security, and simplicity at scale.Built for the Realities of West Africa From major financial institutions and government agencies to telcos and critical infrastructure providers, this collaboration addresses the region’s unique challenges with a bold, unified approach.

“This is about unleashing innovation and growth without the fear of cyber risk,”said Eyal. “It’s security and performance in one bold move.

CyberDome is West Africa’s leading Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), delivering real-time cyber defense, threat intelligence, compliance support, and 24/7 monitoring from its cutting- edge SOC in Nigeria. With deep local roots and global reach,CyberDome is redefining how African enterprises stay secure in a digital world.

 

 

Anambra ICT Chief Applauds Enugu Tech Festival, Says Southeast is Poised for Tech-Driven Growth

Anambra ICT Chief Applauds Enugu Tech Festival, Says Southeast is Poised for Tech-Driven Growth

 The Southeast region of Nigeria is fast emerging as a hub for technological innovation and investment, according to Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), the Managing Director of the Anambra State ICT Agency, who participated in the just-concluded Enugu Tech Festival alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

Speaking at the festival themed “From Code to Code”, Agbata described the event as timely and transformative, capturing the momentum and aspirations of Nigeria’s tech-driven future.

“The theme aptly captures the essence of our transition into the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Agbata said. “Technology’s permanence is no longer debatable; what remains uncertain is the level of passion Nigerians will bring to its adoption.”

He emphasized that both Enugu and Anambra States are strategically positioned to lead in digital transformation across the Southeast, thanks to ongoing policy support, talent development, and a growing ecosystem of innovators.

“I can confidently attest that Enugu and Anambra State are primed to fully leverage technology’s potential,” he added.

Agbata further encouraged local and international investors to take a closer look at the Southeast region, citing its untapped market, rising tech-savvy youth population, and progressive government initiatives.

“The Southeast region is experiencing unprecedented growth, and those who haven’t invested yet are missing out. This is the perfect time to tap into the region’s vast opportunities,” he noted.

He also commended Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State’s Commissioner for Science and Technology, as well as the organizers of the festival, for curating an impactful event that brought together stakeholders, innovators, and policymakers.

The Enugu Tech Festival served as a convergence point for tech enthusiasts, startups, investors, and government officials to discuss emerging technologies, forge partnerships, and inspire a new wave of digital transformation across Nigeria’s southeastern states.

OADC CEO, Dr. Tunde Coker, Named Among Global Top 100 Leaders in Digital Infrastructure by Capacity Media

OADC CEO, Dr. Tunde Coker, Named Among Global Top 100 Leaders in Digital Infrastructure by Capacity Media

In a major recognition of African leadership in the global digital economy, Dr. Ayotunde (Tunde) Coker, Chief Executive Officer of Open Access Data Centres (OADC), has been named to the prestigious 2025 Power 100 list by Capacity Media, a leading global publication under the Techoraco brand.

The Power 100 is an annual list that recognises the most influential executives and thought leaders driving innovation, growth, and transformation in the global digital infrastructure landscape. Curated by Capacity Media’s editorial board and informed by peer nominations from across the industry, the list celebrates individuals who are setting new benchmarks in data centre development, cloud technologies, network services, and cross-border digital connectivity.

OADC, in an official statement, expressed immense pride in Dr. Coker’s inclusion, highlighting it as a testament to both his visionary leadership and Africa’s rising influence in global tech.

“We are proud to announce that OADC CEO, Dr. Ayotunde (Tunde) Coker, has been recognised in Capacity Media’s prestigious Power 100 list. Nominated by industry peers and curated by the Capacity editorial team, the Power 100 celebrates the trailblazers, innovators, and leaders shaping the global digital infrastructure landscape,” the company said.

With a track record that spans over three decades across finance, telecommunications, and enterprise IT, Dr. Coker is widely regarded as a pioneer in Africa’s data centre and digital infrastructure ecosystem. Since assuming leadership at OADC—a subsidiary of WIOCC Group—he has overseen the company’s strategic expansion across multiple African markets, delivering world-class, carrier-neutral data centres and edge infrastructure to support digital transformation at scale.

Under his stewardship, OADC has become instrumental in bridging Africa’s infrastructure gap, enabling high-capacity, low-latency connectivity and supporting the growth of cloud services, content delivery, fintech, and smart government services across the continent.

Dr. Coker’s recognition further positions OADC as a cornerstone in the emerging narrative of Africa as a future digital powerhouse, with infrastructure playing a critical role in unlocking innovation, investment, and inclusion.

This year’s Power 100 list includes global CEOs, CTOs, policymakers, and investors whose work is redefining the future of global connectivity—from North America to Asia-Pacific, Europe, and now, increasingly, Africa.

20 African Nations Gather in Abuja for 2025 Network of African Data Protection Authorities AGM

20 African Nations Gather in Abuja for 2025 Network of African Data Protection Authorities AGM

 The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) was held in Abuja, drawing participation from 20 member nations across the continent.

The high-level event, hosted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), brought together heads of Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) to deliberate on strategies for advancing data protection and privacy in Africa.

Welcoming the delegates, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation among member countries. He commended their contributions to the success of the conference, which took place at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

“We are honoured to host this year’s AGM and deeply appreciate the shared commitment of member nations to foster a culture of data protection across the continent,” Dr. Olatunji said.

Throughout the multi-day gathering, extensive deliberations highlighted the collective resolve of African nations to entrench data privacy as a cultural and institutional norm. Delegates discussed cross-border collaboration, legal frameworks, and capacity building, among other key issues in the digital governance space.

Countries represented at the AGM included Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Morocco, The Gambia, Cape Verde, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Eswatini, Mali, Mauritania, Benin, Senegal, Somalia, Uganda, Chad, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

In a significant development, Côte d’Ivoire was announced as the next host for the 2026 edition of the NADPA-RAPDP Conference and AGM, a testament to its growing leadership in the continent’s data governance landscape.

The Network of African Data Protection Authorities continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s digital future through shared values, policies, and strategic engagement.

Start Innovation Hub Unveils Business Catalyst 2025 Incubation Program for Blue Economy Startups

Start Innovation Hub Unveils Business Catalyst 2025 Incubation Program for Blue Economy Startups

 In a move to boost innovation within the Blue Economy, Start Innovation Hub Nigeria has announced the launch of the Business Catalyst 2025 Incubation Program, a 12-week intensive initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of early-stage startups operating in water-based industries.

The announcement was made by Hanson Johnson, Founder and CEO of Start Innovation Hub, who described the program as a strategic effort to empower ambitious entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to build scalable, impactful solutions.

“Start Innovation Hub Nigeria is excited to announce the launch of the Business Catalyst 2025 Incubation Program,” Johnson said. “This program offers ambitious entrepreneurs the opportunity to refine their innovative ideas, develop scalable products, and gain access to valuable mentorship and resources. We are looking for groundbreaking ventures that will shape the future of our oceans and water-based economies.”

The Business Catalyst 2025 program is specially designed for startups operating in sectors such as marine technology, sustainable fisheries, ocean conservation, aquaculture, and other aspects of the Blue Economy. Participating startups will go through structured training, hands-on workshops, and receive access to expert mentors and industry stakeholders.

Applications for the program are expected to open soon, with successful participants receiving not just training, but also networking opportunities and potential funding pathways to scale their ventures.

Start Innovation Hub, based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is renowned for driving technology and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s South-South region, with a strong track record of nurturing early-stage innovators.

Governor Sanwo-Olu Launches N10 Billion LASMECO Fund to Boost SMEs in Lagos

Governor Sanwo-Olu Launches N10 Billion LASMECO Fund to Boost SMEs in Lagos

 

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a groundbreaking financial initiative aimed at empowering grassroots entrepreneurs and boosting the state’s economy. The program, known as the Lagos State Access to Finance for SMEs Through Cooperatives (LASMECO), was officially launched following a landmark agreement with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Sterling Bank.

The N10 billion public-private fund will provide Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with non-collateralized loans of up to ₦10 million at a competitive 9% annual interest rate. Beneficiaries will also enjoy a six-month moratorium period. The loans will be disbursed through verified cooperative societies, a move Governor Sanwo-Olu described as a strategic model to ensure both accountability and community impact.

Speaking at the launch, the governor said, “Today marks a significant step forward in our journey to build a more inclusive and resilient economy in Lagos State. This isn’t just about funding — it’s about removing systemic barriers that have kept too many entrepreneurs from reaching their potential.”

The LASMECO initiative is designed to serve entrepreneurs from diverse sectors including healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, the creative industry, and the circular economy. According to the governor, this targeted approach will not only uplift individual businesses but also help strengthen entire communities.

“From a tailor in Yaba to a food processor in Ikorodu, LASMECO offers them a fair chance to grow based on their ideas, not their assets,” Sanwo-Olu added.

He praised the collaboration between government and financial institutions that made the fund possible, emphasizing that inclusive prosperity is achievable when support is extended from the grassroots upward.

The LASMECO fund is expected to create ripple effects across Lagos’ informal sector and stimulate sustainable development through job creation and enterprise expansion.

By

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

NADPA-RAPDP Conference: Plenary Session Highlights Push for Harmonized Data Protection Framework in Africa

NADPA-RAPDP Conference: Plenary Session Highlights Push for Harmonized Data Protection Framework in Africa

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.

NITDA, Google Hold Strategic Workshop to Accelerate Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Agenda

NITDA, Google Hold Strategic Workshop to Accelerate Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Agenda

In a landmark move to fast-track Nigeria’s digital economy and position the country as a global tech powerhouse, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and technology giant Google have commenced a high-level two-day collaborative workshop. The event, which kicked off this week in Abuja, marks a pivotal step in actualizing a broader strategic partnership between the Federal Government and Google, following a significant meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Google CEO Sundar Pichai in Paris on February 10, 2025.

The workshop aims to validate critical findings and refine a draft framework built around five transformative pillars that will guide the collaboration between NITDA and Google. These pillars include:

  1. Scalable Digital Infrastructure – Expanding and strengthening Nigeria’s tech backbone to enable widespread internet access and digital connectivity across urban and rural areas.

  2. Digital Skills Empowerment – Equipping millions of Nigerians, especially youth and women, with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century digital economy.

  3. Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Research – Promoting AI development and research to solve local and regional challenges while fostering a knowledge-based economy.

  4. Cloud Adoption for Digital Government – Enabling government agencies to transition to secure, scalable, and efficient digital platforms for better service delivery.

  5. Strengthening Digital Investment – Attracting local and foreign investment into Nigeria’s burgeoning digital and tech ecosystem.May be an image of 12 people, people studying and text

The forum has brought together key stakeholders from across government ministries, the private sector, academia, and civil society. Their engagement is aimed at fostering inclusivity, policy alignment, and local ownership of the digital transformation blueprint.

Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized that the workshop represents more than just policy development — it is a signal of intent and commitment from both parties to build a robust digital economy that empowers Nigerians and drives innovation.

“This collaboration with Google aligns with our broader mission to implement the Nigeria Digital Economy Blueprint and support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Abdullahi stated. “We are not just planning for the future; we are designing it with the right partners.”

On Google’s side, the initiative reflects the company’s ongoing investment in Africa’s digital potential. Google’s Africa Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Charles Murito, reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria’s technological advancement.

“Our partnership with NITDA is part of Google’s broader goal to unlock digital opportunities, support entrepreneurship, and build local solutions powered by AI and cloud computing. Nigeria is critical to Africa’s digital growth story, and we are excited to be part of this journey,” he said.

Participants at the workshop are expected to provide input that will help shape the final implementation strategy, which will serve as a roadmap for Nigeria’s tech-driven transformation. The collaboration is projected to generate significant economic and social dividends, including job creation, enhanced productivity, and improved public sector efficiency.

As Nigeria pushes forward in its quest to diversify the economy and harness the power of digital innovation, the NITDA-Google partnership stands out as a model of public-private collaboration with the potential to make lasting impact on the nation’s future.