The ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) kicked off on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Abidjan, running for four days. The event brings together over thirty countries from Africa and Europe, including twenty-four African delegations, alongside international experts, private sector representatives, and specialized institutions. The opening ceremony was led by the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, setting the stage for working sessions focused on challenges such as artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and biometric data governance across the continent.
The highlight of the gathering is the adoption of the Abidjan Declaration 2026-2030, a strategic framework designed to outline major digital governance priorities for Africa while also renewing the network’s leadership. The RAPDP Chair, Amadou Hiro, emphasized the need for collective action to establish a robust digital sovereignty built on interstate cooperation. Meanwhile, the minister highlighted the conference theme, “Regulating without stifling innovation,” urging participants to craft a balanced regulatory approach tailored to Africa’s unique context—one that safeguards citizens while fostering technological advancement.
During the speeches, Roger Félix Adom, Chair of the Regulatory Council at the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), underscored the human and security dimensions of data management. He argued that personal data protection extends beyond technical or legal compliance; it directly impacts privacy, dignity, freedom, and public trust in governance. Adom stressed that regulation should not impede progress but instead serve as a protective framework that nurtures innovation within the digital ecosystem.
To showcase progress in compliance efforts, officials highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s regulatory milestones. The nation’s journey includes the 2013 adoption of the Personal Data Protection Act, awareness campaigns launched in 2015, compliance audits conducted in 2022, and the implementation of streamlined standards. In 2026, a new phase begins with the establishment of a national registry for data protection officers. This initiative reflects Africa’s regulators’ unified stance in addressing global technological shifts.
