GSMA highlights need for smarter data regulation to support inclusive digital growth in Africa
Date: 2026-05-20
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The GSMA Policy and
Regulation team has called for more cooperative and outcome-based approaches to
data governance, emphasizing that smarter regulatory frameworks are essential
for supporting safe and inclusive digital development across Africa.
The discussion took place at
the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) 2026 conference in
Abidjan, where GSMA participated alongside the Africa Digital Rights Hub and
other partners to examine practical approaches to modern data regulation.
According to GSMA, effective
data governance frameworks must balance innovation with protection,
particularly in fast-growing digital sectors such as mobile money, financial
inclusion, cross-border data flows, data localisation policies and scam
prevention.
Participants at the session
stressed that collaboration between regulators, industry stakeholders and civil
society remains critical to ensuring that data protection frameworks deliver
tangible benefits for citizens and businesses.
The discussion featured
contributions from representatives of organisations including Mastercard and
Meta, as well as experts from the Prism Institute and the University of Oxford.
Speakers highlighted the
need for regulatory approaches that are adaptable, evidence-based and designed
to support innovation while safeguarding users in an increasingly complex
digital ecosystem.
