Douala, Cameroon, 4 September 2026 – The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in collaboration with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the European Union and GIZ, have successfully concluded a series of regional consultations and capacity building activities to advance an ECCAS Regional Data Governance Framework and strengthen the implementation of the African Union Data Policy Framework.
Held in Douala, Cameroon, from 31 August to 4 September 2026, the programme brought together 27 participants, including representatives and focal points from ECCAS Member States and development partners. Participants shared national experiences and priorities to shape a coherent regional data governance approach that enables trusted and secure cross-border data flows.
The proposed framework is intended to align national approaches, establish common principles and support an integrated regional digital market, while recognising the different levels of digital maturity across Member States. It is aligned with continental instruments including the African Union Data Policy Framework, the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020–2030, the Malabo Convention and the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade.
Opening remarks were delivered by representatives of GIZ Cameroon, the European Union, AUDA-NEPAD, ECA and ECCAS.
Speaking on behalf of ECA, Jean Luc Namega Mastaki, Director of SRO-CA underscored the strategic importance of developing a regional framework that is practical, implementable and firmly owned by ECCAS Member States.
“This Framework cannot be developed for Member States; it must be developed with Member States. That is the main objective that brings us together today,” he said.
ECCAS head of Telecommunications/ICT division, Mr Guichard Tsangou, stressed that “Regional data governance must go beyond regulation. It must help build a regional environment of trust in which data can circulate securely, be effectively protected, and contribute to regional integration, innovation, competitiveness, and youth employment.”
The European Union representative, Mr. Silja Kasmann emphasised the importance of balancing the free flow of data with the protection of rights, noting that “Our goal is to create the conditions for the free flow of data in Central Africa while protecting human rights.”
Despite differing levels of digital maturity, ECCAS Member States remain committed to working together, learning from one another, and fully harnessing the value of data by jointly pursuing regional data governance initiatives that benefit them all. Participants noted that digital transformation is advancing across Central Africa, but fragmented systems, limited interoperability and uneven institutional readiness continue to constrain regional integration. The framework is expected to strengthen regulatory coherence, cooperation and trust while safeguarding data protection, security and sovereignty.
Christelle Onana, representative of AUDA-NEPAD highlighted the importance of secure and predictable cross-border data flows, stressing that “Data must become a factor of integration, not a new frontier.”
Training for national focal points also introduced tools to measure progress, identify implementation challenges and report results under the African Union Data Policy Framework.
The regional process is expected to deliver both a robust governance framework and a realistic implementation roadmap for the progressive harmonisation of national approaches. ECA and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ECCAS Member States in building a trusted, inclusive, secure and value-creating data ecosystem.
“The goal should therefore be to gradually build a secure, interoperable, and economically dynamic ECCAS data space in which the flow and use of data support regional integration without compromising the security, sovereignty, and strategic interests of member states.” A member state representative noted during closing remarks.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org