Secure data exchange key to Africa’s economic progress - Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has underscored the critical role of secure and lawful data sharing in driving Africa’s development.

Shettima, who spoke at the official opening of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) conference in Abuja yesterday highlighted the need for robust digital cooperation across the continent.

The Nigerian Virtual Privacy Academy (NVPA) was also launched at the event where Shettima was represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hadejia.

He stressed that Africa’s future prosperity hinges on its ability to manage and share data responsibly.

“Data goes beyond digital statistics; it represents lives, identities, and trust,” he noted.

“As Africa embraces the African Continental Free Trade Area, secure data sharing will be central to realising our economic ambitions.”

He welcomed the NADPA gathering, describing it as a vital platform for fostering collaboration, enhancing legal frameworks, and building human capacity.

According to him, these engagements are essential for ensuring that digital innovation is rooted in accountability and respect for individual privacy.

Shettima also praised Nigeria’s data protection legislation, calling it one of the most forward-thinking on the continent.

He said it aligns with global human rights conventions and reflects the administration’s strategic priorities.

However, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, reinforced this position.

He stated that Nigeria remains committed to inclusive and ethical digital advancement.

“As we digitise government services and expand digital trade, securing trust across our systems is paramount,” Tijani said.

“Trust is the foundation of any thriving digital economy.”

Unveiling the NVPA, Tijani described the initiative as the first of its kind globally—designed to provide virtual training in data privacy and protection for both public and private sector stakeholders.

Representing NADPA President Iro Adamu, Immaculate Kassait of Kenya reaffirmed the continent’s collective dedication to creating a secure digital ecosystem.

She described the Abuja event as evidence of Africa’s unity in safeguarding individual privacy rights amid technological evolution.

“We are all bound by a shared duty to protect personal data, regardless of nationality or gender,” Kassait stated, also announcing that the next NADPA meeting would take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in 2026.

Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), revealed that the local data protection industry had generated over $10 million in revenue and created around 23,000 jobs within three years.

He added that government earnings from data compliance activities had surpassed $1.2 million in under two years.

Olatunji called for stronger ties among African data regulators to boost enforcement, training, and knowledge sharing.

Representing the European Union, Inga Stefanowcz, Head of Green and Digital Economy, reiterated the EU’s commitment to partnering with Africa to deepen digital rights and enhance data governance across the continent.