The GIZ/Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Nigeria, in cooperation with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), successfully co-hosted the 8th edition of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja.
Established in 2016 in Ouagadougou, NADPA-RAPDP comprises 24 Data Protection Authorities from across Africa. The network serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and cooperation, aimed at strengthening Africa’s voice in global data governance discussions.
This year’s conference, themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies,” could not have been more timely. As digital economies in emerging markets expand rapidly, the conference explored how to safeguard privacy and data protection while fostering innovation.
Through a dynamic mix of keynote addresses, plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and masterclasses, participants engaged deeply with the pressing challenges and transformative opportunities that come with building resilient digital ecosystems.
The opening ceremony was marked by high-level representation and robust engagement. Representing the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Kashim Shettima (GCON), was the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, who officially declared the event open.
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Dr Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, delivered opening remarks and unveiled the Virtual Privacy Academy an innovative public education platform focused on data protection and privacy awareness.
In his welcome address, Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, extended warm greetings to dignitaries, heads of data protection agencies, and the more than 2,000 participants from across Africa and beyond.
Germany’s support for data protection efforts in Nigeria was underlined in a goodwill message delivered on behalf of Ambassador Annett Günther by Dr Karin Jansen, Head of Cooperation at BMZ.
Dr Jansen highlighted the enduring partnership between Germany and Nigeria and reaffirmed GIZ’s commitment to supporting NDPC through DTC Nigeria in the areas of capacity development, technical advisory, and stakeholder networking.
One of the key highlights was the GIZ pavilion, where Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), startups, research institutions, and other partners showcased cutting-edge digital solutions.
The pavilion attracted attention from stakeholders across public, private, and international sectors, serving as a vibrant space for dialogue and collaboration.
Dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages included the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gautier Mignot; and German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Annett Günther.
Also, in attendance were heads of regulatory agencies, cybersecurity experts, representatives from ministries, multinationals, exhibitors, and youth-led startups.
As the global conversation around data protection continues to evolve, GIZ/DTC Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its cooperation with the NDPC and other partners to advance data privacy and protection in Nigeria and across Africa.
