Côte d’Ivoire hosts key conference on personal data governance in africa’s digital economy

Abidjan recently welcomed delegates from over thirty nations across Africa and Europe for the ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP). Kicking off on Monday, May 18, 2026, the four-day event brought together twenty-four African delegations, international experts, private sector representatives, and specialized institutions. Djibril Ouattara, the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, presided over the opening ceremony, setting the stage for crucial discussions on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and biometric data across the continent.

A primary objective of this significant gathering is the proposed adoption of the Abidjan Declaration 2026-2030, a pivotal strategic document designed to outline the future direction of digital governance in Africa. This coincides with the scheduled renewal of the network’s leadership. Amadou Hiro, President of the RAPDP, underscored the imperative for collective action to forge genuine digital sovereignty, built upon robust cooperation among African nations. Minister Ouattara, for his part, highlighted the conference’s theme, “Regulate without hindering innovation,” as a call to stakeholders to define balanced regulatory frameworks that are tailored to African realities, capable of both safeguarding citizens and fostering technological advancement.

During the opening remarks, Roger Félix Adom, President of the Regulatory Council of the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), emphasized the profound human and security dimensions inherent in data management. He articulated that effective African data protection extends far beyond mere technical or legal considerations, directly impacting individual privacy, dignity, freedom, and public trust in governmental actions. Adom further clarified that regulation should not act as an impediment, but rather as a protective framework that actively promotes innovation within the evolving digital ecosystem.

To illustrate the commitment to compliance, authorities detailed Côte d’Ivoire’s progressive journey in regulatory development. This national trajectory includes the enactment of the personal data law on June 19, 2013, the launch of public awareness campaigns starting in 2015, the execution of compliance checks in 2022, and the implementation of simplified standards. The year 2026 marks another significant milestone with the establishment of a national registry for data protection correspondents. This initiative reflects the broader aspiration of African regulators to present a unified front amidst global technological shifts, strengthening West Africa’s position in the digital landscape.