The African Union (AU) has recognized the immense potential of a robust digital economy to drive new business opportunities, enhance efficiency, and contribute to sustainable development across the continent.
In light of this, the AU has adopted the Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS) for Africa 2020-2030 and operationalized the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), opening doors for interconnected markets and opportunities for tech start-ups and e-businesses. The African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for 2020-2030 outlines a vision for an integrated and inclusive digital society and economy in Africa, aiming to improve citizens’ quality of life, strengthen economic sectors, and ensure continental ownership in the global economy. The overall objective is to leverage digital technologies and innovation to transform African societies and economies, promoting integration, inclusive economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication. Specific objectives include building a secure Digital Single Market in Africa by 2030, ensuring digital empowerment for all citizens, creating a harmonized investment environment, harmonizing policies and regulations, and implementing laws to stimulate digital transformation. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of digital sovereignty, cooperation between institutions, and the adoption of cybersecurity and data protection measures.
To support this digital transformation, the AU has endorsed the AU Data Policy Framework, aiming to create a consolidated data environment and harmonized digital data governance systems. The AI Data Policy Framework of 2022 aims to harness the transformative potential of data to benefit African countries. It seeks to empower individuals by promoting trusted, safe, and secure data systems based on common standards and practices. Additionally, it aims to establish and empower governance institutions to regulate the evolving data landscape, fostering innovative data use while mitigating risks. The policy also emphasizes the importance of ensuring the free flow of data across borders, while striving for an equitable distribution of benefits and addressing risks related to human rights and national security.
The AU’s commitment to investing in data is evident through the endorsement of this continental policy document, demonstrating a united front in enabling data flow across Africa and fostering economic integration efforts. Through inclusive, transformational, and forward-looking approaches, the AU aims to empower individuals, institutions, and businesses, promote digital trade, raise awareness on data protection, and reinforce Africa’s participation in global discussions on data.
| Year | Regulations |
| 2020 | Digital Transformation Strategy |
| 2022 | AI Data Policy Framework |