Data Regulation in Africa: Free Flow of Data, Open Data Regimes and Cyber Security

Abstract

The free flow of data, the adoption of open data regimes and cyber security are three major aspects of data regulation that hold the reigns to the potential development of the continent. This policy brief addresses these aspects in Africa with a focus on regulatory instruments from the different bodies at continental and sub-regional level as well as some national legislation from selected countries. The aim is to draw lessons from the European Union (EU) approach to determine an appropriate African centred approach to data regulation, particularly in the context of increased inter-African trade as envisaged by the Agreement on the African Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA) and an enhanced digital economy as motivated for in the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020 – 2030).