Data Governance: The Central African Way

Central Africa is a significant player in the realm of data governance, particularly recognized for the adoption of the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, in 2014. Commonly known as the Malabo Convention, this instrument, adopted by 55 African states, serves as a cornerstone of data protection legislation in Africa.

Recent years have witnessed a surge in data protection developments across the Central African region; with the Central African Republic introducing the use of cryptocurrency in 2022, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launching the largest data center in Central Africa with the aim to improve data reliability and performance, and Angola harnessing the power of communication satellite to unlock new opportunities in technology, agriculture, mining, and climate monitoring (just to name a few). This therefore, raises the growing importance of robust cybersecurity measures. From high-profile data breaches compromising sensitive personal information to cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, relevant actors cannot ignore the urgent need for increased awareness, stronger regulations, and collaborative efforts to safeguard data governance and protection.

Pollicy in collaboration with NIYEL, has been spearheading regional conversations within Africa on data governance practices. By focusing on the unique contexts in which Africans use data to improve their communities, these conversations have led many to appreciate the value of personal information and how it is governed by different actors. The latest conversation centered on the Central African region and this article delves into the specific contributions of DRC and Cameroon to the African data landscape, examining how these nations are harnessing digital technologies while prioritizing individual rights.