Landmark digital governance summit kicks off in Abidjan
The ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) launched in Abidjan on May 18, 2026, bringing together over 30 African and European countries. The four-day gathering features 24 African delegations, global experts, private sector leaders, and specialized institutions. The opening ceremony was led by Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, setting the stage for discussions on artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and biometric data challenges across the continent.
Abidjan Declaration 2026-2030: a roadmap for Africa’s digital sovereignty
The summit’s pivotal focus is the adoption of the Abidjan Declaration 2026-2030, a strategic framework designed to guide Africa’s digital governance priorities. Amadou Hiro, President of RAPDP, emphasized the need for collective action to establish genuine digital sovereignty through enhanced interstate cooperation. Meanwhile, Minister Ouattara highlighted how the conference theme, “Regulate without stifling innovation”, challenges participants to craft balanced regulations that both safeguard citizens and foster technological progress in African contexts.
Balancing protection and progress in data regulation
Roger Félix Adom, Chair of the Telecommunications Regulation Authority (ARTCI), underscored the human and security dimensions of personal data management. He argued that data protection extends far beyond technical or legal frameworks—it fundamentally impacts privacy, dignity, freedom, and public trust. Adom stressed that regulation should serve as a protective framework rather than a barrier, enabling innovation within Africa’s digital ecosystem.
Côte d’Ivoire’s regulatory journey showcases regional leadership
Ivorian authorities showcased their country’s progressive data governance milestones as a model for the region. The national journey began with the 2013 Personal Data Protection Act, followed by nationwide awareness campaigns in 2015. Compliance checks in 2022 and the implementation of streamlined standards marked further progress. The 2026 conference coincides with the launch of a national registry of data protection officers—a critical step toward unified African regulatory responses to global technological shifts.
