Background
As digital transformation accelerates across Africa, data is increasingly recognized as a strategic resource for economic growth, innovation, public sector modernization, and regional integration. However, many countries continue to face challenges related to fragmented governance frameworks, limited interoperability, cybersecurity risks, and institutional coordination gaps that hinder the effective use and sharing of data.
To address these challenges, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through the Data Governance in Africa Initiative, supports Member States in strengthening their national data governance ecosystems and aligning national efforts with continental frameworks, including the African Union Data Policy Framework (AUDPF), the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), and the Malabo Convention.
Guinea
Guinea has embarked on an ambitious digital transformation agenda aimed at modernizing public administration, strengthening digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and expanding access to digital services. As data becomes increasingly central to these efforts, the development of a National Data Governance Strategy represents a critical step toward establishing trusted, secure, and interoperable systems for managing and using data across sectors.
To support this process, ECA, in partnership with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy and Innovation (MCENI) and GIZ, organized a series of engagements in Conakry from 16 to 19 June 2026 comprising three key components:
- Country Assessment Mission (16–17 June 2026): consultations with government institutions, regulatory authorities, academia, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and development partners to assess Guinea’s legal, institutional, and technical data governance landscape.
- Capacity Building Workshop (18 June 2026): a dedicated training programme for policymakers and stakeholders focused on data governance frameworks, cybersecurity, data protection, interoperability, digital public infrastructure, and artificial intelligence.
- Stakeholder Engagement Workshop (19 June 2026): a multi-stakeholder platform to review assessment findings, identify national priorities, and contribute to the co-creation of Guinea’s National Data Governance Strategy.
The stakeholder engagement workshop builds on the findings of the assessment mission and seeks to foster broad ownership of the strategy development process through inclusive dialogue and collaborative decision-making. Participants include representatives from government ministries and agencies, regulatory institutions, academia, civil society organizations, the private sector, regional organizations, and development partners.
Objectives
- Assess Guinea’s current data governance ecosystem and identify priority challenges and opportunities.
- Strengthen national capacities on contemporary data governance frameworks and emerging digital policy issues.
- Promote dialogue among stakeholders on governance, interoperability, cybersecurity, data protection, and innovation.
- Support the development of a coherent and inclusive National Data Governance Strategy aligned with continental and international frameworks.
- Build consensus on strategic priorities, institutional arrangements, and implementation pathways.
Expected Results
- Enhanced understanding of Guinea’s data governance landscape.
- Strengthened technical and institutional capacities among national stakeholders.
- Validated priorities and recommendations for the National Data Governance Strategy.
- Increased stakeholder ownership and collaboration across sectors.
- A stronger foundation for trusted, secure, and inclusive data governance in Guinea.
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
