Abuja — The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is hosting officials from nine African countries for a cross-regional peer exchange programme focused on strengthening data protection and digital privacy frameworks across the continent.
The initiative, organised in collaboration with the World Bank and Smart Africa, is being coordinated under the leadership of NDPC National Commissioner and CEO Vincent Olatunji.
Speaking during the programme, Olatunji said the engagement is aimed at deepening cooperation among African Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) and promoting the harmonisation of data protection laws across the continent.
He noted that the peer exchange comes at a critical time as African countries confront growing challenges related to cybersecurity, digital privacy, cross-border data governance, and the rapid expansion of digital economies.
According to him, stronger collaboration among regulators will help ensure that data controllers and processors comply with legal obligations while also improving public awareness of digital rights.
Participating countries include Burundi, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Zambia.
Regional organisations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are also participating in the discussions.
The NDPC said the programme builds on previous engagements held in 2025 in partnership with the African Union and the European Union, aimed at improving Africa’s regulatory readiness in the digital space.
Analysts say the initiative reflects increasing recognition that data governance and digital privacy are becoming central to economic integration, cybersecurity, and digital trust across Africa.