Abidjan hosts 9th RAPDP Conference on data protection and digital regulation in Africa

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Abidjan is hosting the 9th Conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP), bringing together regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss data protection challenges and the regulation of emerging technologies across Africa.

The conference opened with a high-level ceremony featuring speeches from the President of the Regulatory Council of the Autorité de Régulation des TIC (ARTCI), Mr. Roger Félix Adom, the President of RAPDP, Mr. Adamou Hiro, and the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Mr. Djibril Ouattara. The event was also attended by the Minister of the Interior and Security, General Vagondo Diomandé.

Discussions during the opening day focused on strengthening regulatory frameworks for personal data protection and addressing the rapid evolution of digital technologies on the continent. The event also featured the launch of exhibition stands and multiple high-level panel sessions involving senior government officials and regulatory leaders.

Participants examined key issues related to digital governance, cybersecurity, and the protection of personal data, with emphasis on the need for harmonized regulatory approaches across African countries.

Organisers noted that the conference provides a strategic platform for advancing continental dialogue on data protection and positioning African regulators to better respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital economy.

The event is expected to continue with further sessions aimed at strengthening cooperation among African data protection authorities and enhancing regulatory capacity across the region.