Data Regulation in Africa: Free Flow of Data, Open Data Regimes and Cyber Security
Loading...
Date
2023-02
Authors
Hlomani, Hanani
Ncube, Caroline B.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In a broad sense, this paper seeks to address the concerns associated with data
regulation on the African continent. In particular, the paper zooms in on three major
aspects of data regulation that hold the reigns to the potential development of the
continent. These are the free flow of data, the adoption of open data regimes, and
cyber security. This will be in the general context of Africa, with a focus on regulatory
instruments from the different bodies at continental and sub-regional level, and some
national legislation from countries that have developed any legislative instruments
that address the same concerns. Emphasis will also be paid to the strides that have
been taken by the European Union, the first continental body that has taken a
geographically concerted approach to comprehensive data regulation. The aim is
to draw lessons from such efforts with the intention of determining 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 Continental
Free Trade Area, and an enhanced digital economy as motivated for in the Digital
Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030).
Description
Keywords
Data; Data Governance; Data protection; Personal Data; Non-Personal Data; Open Data; Cyber-Security; Development; Africa; Malabo; AfCFTA