Abidjan hosts crucial african data governance summit

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, became the focal point for digital policy as the ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) commenced on Monday, May 18, 2026. This four-day gathering brought together delegations from over thirty African and European nations, with twenty-four African countries specifically represented, alongside international experts, private sector leaders, and specialized organizations. Djibril Ouattara, the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, officiated the opening ceremony, inaugurating a series of vital discussions addressing critical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and biometric data across the African continent.

At the heart of this pivotal summit lies the anticipated adoption of the Abidjan Declaration 2026-2030. This landmark strategic document aims to outline the foundational principles for digital governance across Africa, coinciding with the election of new leadership for the RAPDP network. Amadou Hiro, the current RAPDP President, urged for a concerted effort to forge genuine digital sovereignty, emphasizing the crucial role of inter-state collaboration. The Minister further articulated the conference’s guiding principle, “Regulating without hindering innovation,” encouraging participants to craft a balanced regulatory framework that is uniquely suited to African contexts, safeguarding citizens while fostering technological advancement.

During the opening addresses, Roger Félix Adom, President of the Regulatory Council of the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), underscored the profound human and security implications inherent in data management. He asserted that personal data protection extends far beyond mere technical or legal compliance; it directly impacts individual privacy, dignity, and freedom, alongside public trust in governmental operations. He clarified that regulation should not be perceived as an impediment but rather as a vital protective structure designed to stimulate innovation within the dynamic digital ecosystem.

To exemplify effective compliance strategies, authorities highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s progressive strides in establishing robust regulatory frameworks. The nation’s journey includes the landmark adoption of the June 19, 2013, law on personal data, followed by comprehensive awareness campaigns initiated in 2015, meticulous compliance audits conducted in 2022, and the implementation of streamlined standards. The year 2026 signifies another significant milestone with the establishment of a national registry for data protection correspondents. This proactive measure aligns with the broader ambition of African regulators to present a unified front in navigating the complexities of global technological evolution.