Differences in data protection regulations across African countries could complicate financial transactions and the exchange of personal information across borders, raising concerns about the continent’s efforts to expand digital trade.
Teki Akuetteh, executive director of the Africa Digital Rights Hub, raised the concern at the 2026 Data Protection Africa Summit in Lagos, citing differences between Nigeria’s and Ghana’s data protection laws as a potential challenge to cross-border data transfers.
Akuetteh said variations in national regulatory frameworks could affect how businesses and financial institutions exchange personal information across both markets, making closer cooperation among African regulators necessary.
She argued that harmonising data protection practices through strategic partnerships would facilitate cross-border transactions, strengthen institutional relationships and build trust among regulators.
“Even when you have the same laws, different regulators may interpret and implement them differently, making strategic partnerships important,” she said.
She identified the African Union’s data policy and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol as opportunities for African countries to strengthen cooperation and develop more consistent approaches to data protection.
Her position reflects broader concerns about the need for African governments to align their regulatory approaches as digital trade expands and businesses increasingly operate across national borders.
Speaking under the theme, ‘Strengthening Data Protection Through Strategic Partnerships’, stakeholders at the summit called for stronger partnerships among governments, regulators, businesses and communities to improve the protection of personal information.
They said effective data protection required more than legislation and regulatory enforcement, stressing the need for public awareness, institutional cooperation and collective action to address emerging technological challenges.
Akuetteh described data protection as a fundamental right rather than merely a legal or regulatory responsibility, arguing that everyone deserved protection of their personal information.
She said the summit provided a platform for regulators, service providers, businesses and consumers to exchange experiences and develop practical responses to data protection challenges.
As part of efforts to strengthen regulatory cooperation, Akuetteh announced plans to introduce an outcome-based collaborative approach that would enable stakeholders to identify common problems, assign responsibilities and ensure agreed solutions were implemented.
She also disclosed plans to establish a Centre of Excellence involving African universities, regulators and practitioners to develop solutions to data protection challenges.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said protecting personal information was central to building public trust, particularly as more government services moved online.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Ganiyu Oseni, his special adviser on Technology, Innovation and Broadband, said citizens expected public institutions to handle their personal information responsibly.
He noted that the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, had provided a stronger legal foundation for protecting personal information, but achieving its objectives required cooperation across different sectors.
“Effective data protection strengthens public confidence, supports responsible innovation and creates a more secure environment for investment and economic activities,” he said.
Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), also emphasised the importance of collaboration in implementing data protection regulations.
Olatunji said Nigeria’s large population, expanding volume of data and increasing number of data protection cases made partnerships essential to the commission’s work.
He identified cooperation with public and private sector organisations as necessary for expanding public awareness, improving compliance and strengthening the country’s data protection ecosystem.
Beyond regulatory institutions, stakeholders also called for greater involvement of traditional institutions and educational establishments in promoting awareness of digital privacy.
Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara, urged traditional rulers to work with government agencies to educate communities about protecting personal information as more Nigerians engage with digital platforms.
He said privacy awareness should extend beyond technology professionals and regulators to ordinary citizens, particularly children and young people who face increasing exposure to online risks.
