The bustling economic hub of Abidjan has emerged as the focal point for continental discussions on personal data governance. From May 18, 2026, the Ivorian capital will host the ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP), drawing over thirty delegations, including twenty-four African nations, European partners, independent experts, and private sector representatives. The opening ceremony, led by Djibril Ouattara, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing this critical issue on West Africa’s economic agenda.
The selection of Abidjan as the host city is no coincidence. Côte d’Ivoire has long positioned itself as a key player in West Africa’s digital ecosystem, bridging investments in submarine cables, regional data centers, and mobile financial services. By hosting the RAPDP conference, the country reinforces its role in shaping a harmonized African framework, addressing the challenges posed by fragmented regulations that hinder cross-border data flows.
Artificial intelligence and biometrics dominate discussions
The conference sessions revolve around three critical concerns for African regulators. The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence challenges traditional principles of consent and data processing purpose. Digital platforms, often operated from abroad, accumulate vast amounts of personal data without local authorities always having the necessary tools to oversee these operations. Meanwhile, the increasing use of biometric data in civil identification, social programs, and banking services raises questions about the proportionality and security of these systems.
For African data protection authorities, the stakes go beyond technical compliance. The goal is to assert a form of digital sovereignty without isolating the continent’s economy. Several speakers emphasized that adopting the Malabo Convention—ratified by only a limited number of states—remains essential for building a unified data market. Disparities between national laws result in high compliance costs for regional operators and expose citizens to data breaches and misuse.
African digital economy seeks balanced regulations
The timing of this event coincides with a pivotal moment for continental regulation. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is advancing work on a protocol dedicated to digital trade, with chapters on cross-border data flows and data localization sparking divergent views among member states. Some economies advocating for cloud infrastructure investments push for flexible rules, while regulators stress the need for robust safeguards to protect citizens and prevent asymmetric value transfers.
The presence of European delegates in Abidjan highlights the normative pressure exerted by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For many African businesses focused on exporting digital services, aligning with European standards is key to accessing global markets. However, this convergence must not overshadow Africa’s unique needs, including mobile financial inclusion, sovereign digital identities, and cybersecurity requirements tailored to public administrations.
Toward a unified regulatory agenda
Beyond declarations, the conference aims to produce actionable recommendations. Participants are working to align their assessment frameworks for international data transfers, pool investigative resources to monitor digital giants, and establish shared principles on artificial intelligence governance. Strengthening sanctions networks and information-sharing between regulators is a top priority in an environment where economic actors operate across borders.
For Minister Djibril Ouattara, the challenge extends to positioning Abidjan as a credible regulatory hub, complementing the country’s technological appeal. The next phase involves transforming commitments into binding mechanisms capable of influencing global platforms. Discussions will continue through May 21, 2026, focusing on these priorities.