Côte d’Ivoire hosts landmark data protection conference for africa’s digital future

Abidjan recently welcomed delegates for the ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP), a four-day event that commenced on Monday, May 18, 2026. This significant gathering brought together representatives from over thirty nations across Africa and Europe, including twenty-four African delegations, alongside international experts, private sector leaders, and specialized institutions. Djibril Ouattara, the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, presided over the opening ceremony, signaling the start of crucial discussions focused on the complex challenges posed by artificial intelligence, burgeoning digital platforms, and biometric data across the African continent.

At the heart of this pivotal conference is the anticipated adoption of the Abidjan Declaration 2026-2030, a comprehensive strategic document designed to chart the future course of digital governance in Africa. This coincides with the planned renewal of the network’s leadership. Amadou Hiro, President of the RAPDP, issued a compelling call for unified action to forge genuine digital sovereignty through robust inter-state cooperation. Echoing this sentiment, Minister Ouattara underscored the event’s theme, “Regulate without hindering innovation,” urging participants to define a balanced regulatory framework. Such a framework, he explained, must be tailored to African realities, effectively safeguarding citizens while actively supporting technological advancement and the vibrant digital economy.

During the opening remarks, Roger Félix Adom, President of the Regulatory Council of the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), highlighted the profound human and security dimensions inherent in data management. He emphasized that personal data protection transcends mere technical or legal considerations; it directly impacts citizens’ private lives, dignity, freedom, and their trust in state institutions. Adom clarified that regulation should not impede progress but rather serve as a protective framework, fostering innovation within the dynamic digital ecosystem.

To illustrate the practical aspects of compliance, Ivorian authorities detailed the nation’s journey in regulatory development. This path includes the enactment of the law on personal data on June 19, 2013, followed by public awareness campaigns launched in 2015, compliance audits conducted in 2022, and the implementation of simplified standards. The year 2026 marks another milestone with the establishment of a national register for data protection correspondents. This initiative reflects the collective ambition of African regulators to present a united front in navigating the rapid global technological shifts, ensuring robust data protection across the region and beyond, impacting even the broader West Africa Sahel digital landscape.