Abidjan recently became the focal point for digital governance as the ninth international conference of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) commenced on Monday, May 18, 2026. This four-day gathering drew participants from over thirty African and European nations, featuring twenty-four African delegations, alongside international experts, private sector representatives, and specialized institutions. Djibril Ouattara, the Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, presided over the opening ceremony, inaugurating a series of crucial discussions centered on the evolving challenges posed by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and biometric data across the continent.
A primary objective of this significant meeting is the endorsement of the Abidjan Declaration 2026-2030, a pivotal strategic document designed to outline the future direction of digital governance in Africa. This coincides with the anticipated renewal of the network’s leadership. Amadou Hiro, the President of RAPDP, urged a collective effort to establish genuine digital sovereignty, emphasizing enhanced cooperation among African states. The Minister, for his part, highlighted the conference’s theme, “Regulating without hindering innovation,” as an invitation for stakeholders to forge balanced regulatory frameworks that are tailored to African realities, safeguarding citizens while simultaneously fostering technological advancement.
During the opening addresses, Roger Félix Adom, President of the Regulatory Council of the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI), underscored the critical human and security dimensions inherent in data management. He articulated that personal data protection extends beyond mere technical or legal considerations, directly impacting individual privacy, dignity, freedom, and the public’s trust in governmental actions. Adom further clarified that regulation should function not as an impediment, but rather as a protective structure that actively promotes innovation within the dynamic digital ecosystem.
Illustrating a commitment to compliance, Ivorian authorities reviewed the nation’s progress in regulatory development. Côte d’Ivoire’s journey includes the enactment of its personal data law on June 19, 2013, the launch of public awareness campaigns starting in 2015, the execution of compliance audits in 2022, and the implementation of simplified standards. The year 2026 marks another significant milestone with the establishment of a national registry for data protection correspondents. This initiative reflects the broader aspiration of West African and other African regulators to present a unified stance in response to global technological shifts.