The report is intended to be general and educational in nature and should not be construed as legal advice. The report’s findings and materials may not apply to all circumstances. Therefore, they should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal counsel based on the circumstances.
In recent years, Africa has seen a notable rise in the adoption of data protection laws and the establishment of relevant authorities. This trend marks a significant shift from two decades ago, with an ongoing increase anticipated in the years ahead. This year continued the trend of significant progress in data protection across various fronts. There were notable strides in regulatory advancements, the establishment of data protection authorities, and enforcement actions. Discussions on further advancements and key digital space trends were also prevalent. Additionally, as the year concluded, an increase in countries proposing the adoption of data protection laws and artificial intelligence governance was observed, along with a growing number of proposed laws, regulations, and guidelines awaiting implementation.