Abidjan hosts key conference on african data governance and digital sovereignty

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, became the focal point for digital strategy on Monday, May 18, 2026, as the ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) commenced. This pivotal four-day gathering draws together an impressive array of participants from over thirty nations across Africa and Europe, including twenty-four African delegations. International experts, private sector representatives, and specialized institutions are also in attendance, all converging to tackle the intricate challenges of the continent’s digital landscape. The opening ceremony, led by Djibril Ouattara, the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, set the stage for crucial discussions centered on artificial intelligence, burgeoning digital platforms, and the complexities of biometric data.

At the heart of this significant meeting is the anticipated adoption of the Abidjan Declaration 2026-2030. This strategic blueprint is poised to define the overarching direction for digital governance in Africa for the coming years, coinciding with the renewal of the network’s leadership. Amadou Hiro, the President of the RAPDP, issued a rallying call for collective action, emphasizing the imperative of forging genuine digital sovereignty through enhanced cooperation among African states. Echoing this sentiment, Minister Ouattara highlighted the conference’s theme, “Regulating without stifling innovation,” as an invitation for stakeholders to craft a balanced regulatory framework. Such a framework, he noted, must be uniquely adapted to African realities, capable of safeguarding citizens while simultaneously fostering technological advancement.

During the opening remarks, Roger Félix Adom, President of the Regulatory Council of the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), underscored the profound human and security dimensions inherent in data management. He eloquently articulated that personal data protection transcends mere technical or legal considerations; it directly impacts individual privacy, dignity, freedom, and the essential trust citizens place in governmental actions. Adom further clarified that regulation should not be perceived as an impediment but rather as a protective structure that actively encourages innovation within the dynamic digital ecosystem.

Illustrating a commitment to compliance, Ivorian authorities recounted the nation’s journey in establishing a robust regulatory framework. Côte d’Ivoire’s progressive path includes the landmark adoption of the personal data law on June 19, 2013, followed by public awareness campaigns initiated in 2015, comprehensive compliance checks conducted 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 and speak with a single voice amidst rapidly evolving global technological shifts.