By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Benin has joined data
protection authorities and institutional leaders from several African countries
at the first National Day for the Protection of Personal Data in Togo, with
discussions focusing on strengthening data security, protecting citizens' rights
and advancing digital sovereignty across the continent.
The event, organised by
Togo's Personal Data Protection Authority (IPDCP TOGO), was held in Lomé under
the theme, "Protection of personal data and digital sovereignty: what
challenges and prospects for Togo and Africa?"
Benin participated through
its Personal Data Protection Authority (APDP), represented by its President, Dr
Luciano Hounkponou, who joined counterparts from Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali and
Senegal for discussions and the exchange of regulatory experiences.
The meeting brought together
personal data protection authorities, institutional leaders and experts from
several African countries to examine challenges relating to data security and
the control of digital resources by states.
Discussions highlighted the
cross-cutting nature of personal data protection, particularly its implications
for the fundamental rights of citizens, digital security, economic development
and the sovereignty of states.
Participants emphasised the
importance of pooling experiences, bringing regulatory frameworks closer
together and strengthening cooperation among African data protection
authorities to address challenges that transcend national borders.
According to APDP Benin,
strengthening cooperation between African authorities is essential to building
a safer digital environment, better protecting citizens' rights and reinforcing
the continent's digital sovereignty.
Dr Hounkponou has
consistently advocated concerted action among African data protection
authorities as a means of addressing shared regulatory and technological
challenges and strengthening the protection of personal data across the
continent.
