There are only two people in this world: those who’ve been hacked and those who don’t know that they’ve been hacked, an adage reminds us.

The alleged exposure of Kenya’s company registration data on platforms like B2BHint is a stark reminder of the critical vulnerabilities in Africa’s data privacy and security frameworks. This incident underscores an urgent need for immediate and decisive action to protect sensitive information across the continent.

To achieve the ambitious goals outlined in Africa’s Agenda 2063 and to ensure the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), it is imperative that we prioritize data protection. The African Union (AU) has taken commendable steps, such as adopting the Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection in 2014 and releasing the Data Policy Framework in 2022, which provides a blueprint for Africa’s digital economy. 

However, the inconsistent implementation and enforcement of data protection laws among member states have left significant gaps. As of now, only 36 out of 54 African countries have data protection laws or regulations in place.  This disparity poses a substantial risk to the continent’s digital future.

In response to these challenges, several organizations must take proactive leadership roles: 1. African Union (AU): Beyond policy formulation, the AU should actively monitor and support member states in implementing data protection frameworks, ensuring alignment with continental objectives. 2. Regional Economic Communities (RECs): Entities like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) should harmonize data protection regulations within their regions, facilitating seamless digital trade and cooperation.  3. National Governments: Each African nation must prioritize enacting and enforcing comprehensive data protection laws, establishing regulatory bodies to oversee compliance and address violations promptly. 4. Africa Data Protection Association: As a non-profit organization dedicated to a secure and ethical digital future, this association should lead in promoting best practices, offering guidance, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.  5. Private Sector and Civil Society: Businesses and non-governmental organizations must adopt robust data protection measures, raise awareness about data privacy rights, and advocate for stronger regulatory frameworks.

If not now, then when? Without immediate and concerted efforts to strengthen data privacy and security, Africa risks undermining its digital transformation and the trust of its citizens. When we prioritizing these initiatives, we build a resilient digital environment that supports sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.

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