The federal government, the EU, and the African Union on Monday urged data protection authorities to develop a harmonised data governance framework for data protection across the continent.

They made the call at the opening ceremony of a five-day data governance study visit for Data Protection Authorities, a data governance initiative in Africa, hosted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja.

Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner of NDPC, said that although 36 African countries have enacted data protection laws, only 26 of them have established dedicated data protection authorities.

Mr Olatunji emphasised that data protection requires the implementation of laws and cross-border cooperation among countries.

He said Africa’s population of over 1.4 billion people presented immense opportunities for a thriving digital economy under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Mr Olatunji said the country has generated over $1.5 million in registration fees and trained over 23,000 data protection officers (DPOs) in the past three years.

Salisu Afolabi, chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, said lawmakers had introduced the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill to remove legal uncertainties in electronic transactions.

“We are working with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to ensure we have a law that is robust enough and in line with global best practices,” he said.

He urged data protection authorities across the continent to leverage artificial intelligence in building a robust data governance structure, as well as to engage lawmakers in formulating data governance laws.

Massimo de Luca, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said that emerging technologies could drive efficiency and empowerment but could not be sustained without strong data governance frameworks.

“Data protection authorities not only safeguard citizens’ privacy but also attract investment and facilitate data flows for regional prosperity.

“They are needed to realise the African digital single market in line with the goals of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union data policy framework,” Mr Luca said.

Felix Reinhold, representative of the German Embassy, urged African countries to take all necessary measures to secure their data internally.

“We believe that Africa’s data should remain in Africa’s hands, and this means protecting the rights and privacy of citizens.

“It also entails ensuring that the value generated from data contributes to local innovation, sustainable development, and the well-being of African societies.

“We must also guard against data monopolies because our shared vision is to foster a trusted and equitable digital world,” he said.

Christelle Onana, head of digitalisation, African Union, recalled that the adoption of the AU Data Protection Policy Framework in February 2022 marked a bold stride towards a unified and inclusive data governance structure.

“This week’s study tour is not just an exchange of experience; it is a strategic investment in unwavering commitment to supporting our member states in translating continental frameworks into national actions,” she said.

The tour brought together delegates from Tanzania, Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Botswana, and Nigeria.

(NAN)