Abidjan gathers African and European leaders to shape digital data rules

The ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) kicked off in Abidjan on Monday, May 18, 2026, bringing together more than 30 countries from Africa and Europe. The four-day event brings together 24 African delegations alongside international experts, private sector representatives, and specialized institutions. The opening ceremony was led by Djibril Ouattara, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, setting the stage for discussions on Africa’s challenges with artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and biometric data governance.

Strategic roadmap to strengthen Africa’s digital sovereignty

The highlight of the gathering is the launch of the Abidjan Declaration 2026–2030, a landmark agreement designed to guide digital governance across the continent. The declaration aims to establish a unified regulatory framework while renewing the RAPDP’s leadership. Amadou Hiro, President of RAPDP, emphasized the need for collective action to build robust digital sovereignty through state cooperation. Meanwhile, Minister Ouattara framed the event’s theme—“Regulating without stifling innovation”—as a call to develop balanced regulations tailored to Africa’s unique context, ensuring both citizen protection and technological growth.

Balancing security and progress in data protection

Speakers at the conference underscored that personal data protection extends beyond technical and legal compliance. Roger Félix Adom, Chairman of the Regulatory Council of Côte d’Ivoire’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), highlighted its human and security dimensions, linking data governance to privacy, dignity, freedom, and public trust. He argued that regulation should serve as a protective framework—one that nurtures innovation rather than impeding it within Africa’s digital ecosystem.

Côte d’Ivoire’s path to digital compliance

The conference also showcased Côte d’Ivoire’s progress in data governance as a model for other African nations. Key milestones include the adoption of the 2013 Personal Data Law, nationwide awareness campaigns launched in 2015, compliance audits conducted in 2022, and the implementation of simplified standards. In 2026, a new chapter begins with the creation of a national directory of data protection officers, reinforcing the country’s commitment to unified regulatory action amid global technological shifts.