Tech ministers at the Cyber Africa Forum advocate for self-governed data structure, and stress the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in Africa.
In a groundbreaking move, ministers from Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Republic of Congo have announced a unified digital agenda, aiming to create a harmonized, resilient digital ecosystem that protects human rights, promotes equitable access to technology, and anchors Africa's digital future on its own terms.
The collaborative strategy tackles legal, technical, educational, and economic challenges, with a focus on sovereign data infrastructure, large-scale youth training, enhanced cybersecurity, and accelerated startup growth. This holistic approach is vital for Africa’s data sovereignty, economic empowerment, and cybersecurity in an increasingly multipolar and digitalized world.
Sovereign Data Infrastructure
By building locally governed digital public infrastructure, these countries aim to retain control over their data, reducing reliance on foreign entities and mitigating digital colonialism. This includes developing national data hosting facilities, local internet exchange points (IXPs), and data centers, which help keep data within national borders, improve speed and cybersecurity, and comply with data localization mandates.
Youth Training
With over 70% of the population under 35, investing in youth digital skills is crucial. Training programs will empower a digitally savvy workforce capable of driving innovation and managing emerging technologies internally, reducing dependence on external expertise and fostering homegrown solutions.
Cybersecurity
Strengthening cybersecurity frameworks is essential to safeguard digital infrastructure and personal data. These countries are aligning with continental efforts like the African Union’s Malabo Convention and working to implement robust cybersecurity legislation, education, and partnerships, addressing weaknesses in current defenses and preparing to counter cyber threats.
Startup Growth
Supporting startups accelerates local innovation ecosystems, enabling creation of technologies and services tailored to regional needs. This fosters economic empowerment and diversification, contributing to digital sovereignty by reducing the monopoly of foreign tech companies and encouraging indigenous technological development.
In addition to these key contributions, the digital agendas of each country also include unique initiatives. For instance, Benin is mapping out a digital identity platform modeled on Estonia’s X-Road, while Côte d'Ivoire is planning to refresh its digital infrastructure every 1-2 years and consolidating data across five ministries as a pilot toward a unified national data infrastructure.
The ministers believe this collaborative approach will distinguish their countries within Africa’s tech ecosystem and pave the way for a digital future that is less dependent and more defensible. This shared vision is a significant step towards building a digital economy that is truly by Africans, for Africans.
[1] Data localization mandates: https://www.dataprivacymonitor.info/2021/04/africa-data-localisation-mandates/ [2] African Union’s Malabo Convention: https://au.int/en/treaties/convention-cybersecurity-and-personal-data-protection-african-union [3] Estonia’s X-Road: https://x-road.eu/en [4] Source for all other information: https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/article/2021/africas-digital-economy-ministers-stress-need-cooperation-speed-and-bold-governance-44785
- The collaborative digital agenda, aimed at Africa's digital future, focuses on innovation by fostering growth amongst local startups, making technologies and services tailored for regional needs.
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures are being implemented to protect digital infrastructure and personal data, aligning with continent-wide initiatives like the African Union’s Malabo Convention.
- To combat digital colonialism and retain control over data, these countries are building locally governed digital public infrastructure, including national data hosting facilities, local internet exchange points, and data centers.
- With over 70% of the population under 35, youth digital skills training programs are being initiated to create a digitally savvy workforce, driving innovation and managing emerging technologies internally.
- To promote equitable access to technology, these countries are working on establishing sovereign data infrastructure, such as data centers and data hosting facilities, to keep data within national borders and reduce reliance on foreign entities.
- In addition, these digital agendas include unique initiatives like Benin mapping out a digital identity platform modeled on Estonia’s X-Road, and Côte d'Ivoire planning to refresh digital infrastructure every 1-2 years for a unified national data infrastructure.
- The harmonized digital ecosystem will strengthen Africa’s political and economic standing in the increasingly multipolar and digitalized world, moving towards a digital future that is truly by Africans, for Africans, with investment in technology, logistics, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity playing significant roles.
