In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and redefining industries, African experts are sounding a clear warning: without trust, privacy, and accountability, the continent’s digital revolution could lose its foundation.
This was the central message at the Africa Data Privacy Roundtable, which opened in Lagos on Monday, October 6, under the theme “Privacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” The event, organized by the Africa Data Privacy Network (ADPN), gathered data protection officers, legal professionals, AI researchers, and technology entrepreneurs to chart a responsible path for Africa’s digital transformation.
Trust as the Bedrock of Innovation
Delivering the keynote, Isaac Esther, Director of Operations at ADPN, described the roundtable as “a meeting of minds and a coalition of changemakers.” She emphasized that privacy is no longer a technical or abstract issue, but a deeply personal and urgent one.AI depends on data, and data depends on trust. Without trust, there can be no innovation that truly serves people,” Esther said.
Her remarks underscored a growing concern among policymakers: Africa’s digital expansion—fueled by fintech, health tech, e-commerce, and AI—relies heavily on user data. Yet, without strong privacy frameworks, public confidence remains fragile.
According to a 2024 report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), internet penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa has doubled in less than a decade, now surpassing 400 million users. But as connectivity grows, so too do data risks—from breaches and misuse to opaque AI systems that process personal information with little oversight.
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Nigeria’s Push for Data Protection
Nigeria, home to one of Africa’s largest digital economies, has made strides in data regulation. Since establishing the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in 2023, over 200 organisations have registered as data controllers and processors. Meanwhile, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) continues to expand the country’s digital ID programme.
Still, Esther warned that “legal frameworks alone are not enough.” She called for a cultural shift—one that treats compliance not as a burden but as an enabler of innovation.
At ADPN, our mission has always been clear: to build awareness, strengthen capacity, and promote collaboration so that privacy is not just a policy, but a practice,” she said. “Compliance and innovation are not enemies—they are partners.”
A Crisis of Trust in the Age of AI
A live poll during the opening session asked attendees whether they trusted human intelligence or artificial intelligence more when handling personal data. The majority favored humans—a reflection of public skepticism toward AI systems that often operate as “black boxes.”
This distrust aligns with findings from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which reported that fewer than 30% of African nations have fully implemented data protection laws, even as AI adoption accelerates in sectors like finance, agriculture, and education.
From Policy to Practice
During a masterclass titled “Privacy in Practice,” Tosin Nathaniel Luz, Executive Director of ADPN, urged African businesses to see compliance as a trust-building advantage.
Compliance is not a tick-box exercise it’s how we build trust,” Luz said. “Data is the new oil. Just as fuel powers your vehicle, data powers the digital world. When people trust you, they’ll invest in you, work with you, and share their information confidently.
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Her session focused on privacy by design—the principle that businesses should embed privacy protections into their systems from the start, rather than as an afterthought.
The way they say compliance should not stifle innovation—compliance itself is innovation,” she told participants.
The High Stakes of Africa’s Digital Future
The stakes are enormous. In 2024, Nigeria’s digital economy accounted for more than 18% of GDP, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. But the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has recorded a steady rise in data breach complaints, underscoring the urgency for stronger safeguards.
Attendees—including lawyers, tech officers, and cybersecurity consultants—discussed how most users still scroll past privacy policies without reading them, highlighting the need for more transparent and user-friendly systems.
A Continental Opportunity
In her closing remarks, Luz reminded the audience that Africa stands at a crossroads—able to learn from global missteps and craft a uniquely responsible digital path.
Africa can lead the world in showing that responsible innovation is the most sustainable form of progress,” she said.
As the roundtable concluded, one message rang clear across all panels: for Africa’s AI revolution to thrive, trust must not be an afterthought—it must be the foundation.
