Background
The rapid pace of digital transformation across Africa presents immense opportunities but also significant challenges, particularly concerning data governance. While the continent generates vast amounts of data from mobile, financial, and online sources, much of this data is processed outside Africa, limiting its potential to drive domestic innovation, economic growth, and evidence-based policymaking. The current data governance landscape in Africa remains fragmented, with varying levels of regulatory maturity, leaving many countries vulnerable to privacy violations, data misuse, and cyber threats.
Recognizing these challenges, continental instruments such as the African Union (AU) Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), the AU Data Policy Framework (AUDPF), and the Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection provide guiding principles for Member States to develop coherent and secure data ecosystems. However, the effective domestication and implementation of these frameworks at the national level require dedicated efforts, institutional coordination, and sustained capacity-building.
In this context, the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Division (TICID) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) plays a pivotal role in strengthening Member States’ institutional and technical capacities to localize and operationalize these frameworks. Through the Data Governance in Africa (DataCipation) initiative, implemented with the support of GIZ and the European Union, ECA supports African countries in assessing their data governance ecosystems, designing national strategies, and developing inclusive and actionable implementation roadmaps.
Chad
The Republic of Chad is actively advancing its digital transformation agenda through the Project to Support Digital Transformation (PATN) and several strategic initiatives, including the digitalization of public administration, the development of e-government services, the establishment of a national data center, the modernization of civil registration systems, the strengthening of the digital regulatory framework, and the digitalization of public payments.
In this context, data governance has emerged as a strategic priority to strengthen digital sovereignty, improve public decision-making, foster innovation, and support inclusive socio-economic development. However, Chad’s self-assessment using the African Union’s AUDP-CAT tool revealed a relatively low level of maturity in data governance (30.27%), highlighting several key challenges, including the absence of a structured national vision, an incomplete legal and regulatory framework, fragmented institutional coordination, insufficient interoperability standards, and limited specialized expertise.
To address these challenges, the Government of Chad, through the Ministry of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalization of Administration, in collaboration with ECA and GIZ, is undertaking the development of a National Data Governance Strategy aimed at establishing a coherent framework for the collection, management, sharing, protection, and valorization of public data.
The engagements in N’Djamena from May 13 to 21, 2026, comprise three key components:
- Stakeholder Consultations (May 13–15, 2026), aimed at gathering sectoral priorities, institutional perspectives, and operational challenges to enrich the national diagnostic and strategic orientations.
- Capacity-Building Sessions for Decision-Makers (May 18–20, 2026), designed to strengthen understanding of data governance principles, international and African frameworks, and policy implementation mechanisms.
- Stakeholder Engagement Workshop (May 21, 2026), dedicated to validating consultation findings, consolidating strategic priorities, and fostering collective ownership of the National Data Governance Strategy.
These engagements are designed to ensure a participatory, inclusive, and context-sensitive approach that reflects Chad’s national realities, including rural connectivity challenges, institutional capacity needs, and the importance of inclusive digital development.
The initiative is led by the Ministry of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalization of Administration in collaboration with ECA and GIZ. The engagements will bring together representatives from key public institutions, specialized agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society organizations, and development partners. Participating institutions include the Presidency of the Republic, the Primature, the National Assembly, sectoral ministries, regulatory authorities, universities, telecommunications operators, fintech companies, research institutions, and international organizations such as the African Union, UNESCO, the World Bank, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and UNDP. Particular attention will be given to the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities to promote an inclusive approach to digital governance.
The mission will adopt an interactive and participatory methodology combining plenary discussions, thematic working groups, consultations, and collaborative tools to ensure broad stakeholder engagement and collective ownership of the strategy development process.
Objectives
- Strengthen the capacities of decision-makers on data governance principles, opportunities, and best practices.
- Promote a shared understanding of African and international data governance frameworks.
- Support public institutions in designing and implementing effective data governance policies.
- Identify sectoral priorities, institutional constraints, and stakeholder expectations.
- Validate consultation findings and strategic orientations through participatory dialogue.
- Foster stakeholder commitment and coordination for the implementation of the strategy.
Documents
Relevant Continental Frameworks
- AU Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030)
- AU Data Policy Framework
- AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection
- AfCFTA’s Protocol on Digital Trade