Today marked the commencement of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) conference at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club.

Running from the 7th to the 8th of May 2024, the conference serves as a crucial platform for advancing discussions and collaborations on data protection across the African continent, particularly in the context of the digital transformation era.

Under the theme “Promoting Regional Data Governance for Digital Transformation,” the conference aims to facilitate discussions on various sub-themes during panel sessions.

This gathering holds significant importance as Kenya hosts the NADPA – RAPDP Conference for the first time since its selection during last year’s 8th conference in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Distinguished guests and dignitaries at the event include Yankuba Saidy, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information in Gambia; Data Commissioners from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda; Eng. John Tanui, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for ICT & Digital Economy; Chief Justice Martha Koome; ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo; Mme Sanady Tchimaden Hadatan, President of the Haute Autorité de Protection des Données à caractère Personnel in Niger; Sebastian Groth, the German Ambassador to Kenya, and representatives from partner organizations and exhibitors such as KCB Group, AWS Cloud, Konza Cloud, TechHive, Media Council, and Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet).

The conference was officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo who noted: “We should optimise data infrastructure to avoid duplication of resources. If one country has a data centre, how do we utilise it as Africa. We must also continue with digitalisation but enhance our legal and regulatory framework on which our data storage is anchored to enhance privacy.”

PS Tanui highlighted the importance of data in today’s digital age, emphasizing the need for collaboration to optimize Africa’s digital potential.

“Data is now viewed not only as the new oil but as a source of truth. We have authorities that help us ensure that personal data is well protected and put to proper use. As a continent, we have a huge opportunity. The digital economy is growing about 2.5 times faster than the physical economy. As a country, as a continent,we shall be discussing how can we optimize this marching space, by accelerate connectivity, and ensure access and flow of data across the continent. We are very excited as a country, as a Ministry, to connect more with our colleagues from the continent,” said PS Tanui.

Data Commissioner, Immaculate Kassait reiterated the conference’s theme, emphasizing its role as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in data governance and protection.

“The theme of this conference is to promote regional data governance for digital transformation. It seeks to provide all participants with a platform to network, exchange knowledge, and gain new ideas and perspectives from peers on Africa’s digital transformation journey.It is a platform for capacity building and showcasing of the best practices in data governance and protection,” noted Ms Kassait.

Chief Justice, Martha Koome emphasized the role of data in evidence-based decision-making, underlining its potential to enhance governance, service delivery, and accountability.

“We are in an era where we’re pursuing data informed and evidence-based decision making. The collection and usage of data presents incredible opportunities to improve governance, track service delivery and seek accountability,” noted CJ Koome.

KCB Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Paul Russo noted that the conference, “Is key to sustainability of our businesses and it is a platform for us to grow the digital economy.

Ambassador Sebastian Groth emphasized the significance of data protection laws and international collaboration for a safe digital future, particularly highlighting the dialogue between Kenya and the European Union (EU).

“New data protection laws and collaboration between authorities are crucial for a safe digital future. Excited for the first adequacy dialogue between Kenya and the EU, building a foundation to facilitate free and safe cross-border data flows.Data protection is not just a technical issue. It’s a fundamental one to build trust.”

On his part, Deputy Ambassador to EU, Odrij Simek noted: “Data has endless potential across all sectors. The risks such as data breaches, cyber attacks, cyber stalking, identity fraud etc are also there and should be mitigated. New data laws and authorities are being set-up to provide oversight. Security and innovation goes hand in hand. Collaboration between data protection authorities across the region and globe is needed to ensure harmonisation.”