Session
Theater
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: In a theatre-style setup, seating is arranged in rows facing a central stage or podium, creating a focal point for speakers. This layout encourages the audience to direct their attention towards the front, facilitating better visibility and communication. Additionally, the raised platform of the stage enhances the visibility of speakers, making it easier for them to address the audience effectively. Moreover, the structured layout of theatre-style seating promotes a sense of formality, which can be conducive to productive discussions. Overall, the theatre style allows for optimal visibility, communication, and engagement, making it an ideal choice for open forums where active participation and dialogue are key.
In today’s digital era which is increasingly reliant on data-driven economies, understanding the ramifications of national data policies and data governance regimes on cross-border data flows is paramount. As data becomes a cornerstone of economic growth and societal development, for Africa, remarkable opportunities can arise in the near future from the ongoing digital transformation and the ever-increasing production and use of data to support the development of a sustainable and inclusive data-driven economy and society and this is in line Agenda 2063 development and integration goals.
As the continent is moving towards the transition to a consolidated African Digital Single Market, there is a need for facilitating data access and enabling data to flow across borders, by ensuring interoperability of data systems, building trust between business and consumers, aligning regulations across jurisdictions by governments and enhanced cooperation among large organizations dealing with data.
To maximize data usage and data flows within and between African countries, foster value creation and enable African citizens to securely access data-driven digital services when needed regardless of location. The African Union (AU) in an effort to respond to these imperatives has developed the AU Data Policy Framework (DPF). The AU DPF emphasizes the need for enhanced harmonization of policy, legal and regulatory frameworks and strengthened cooperation among countries to remove existing barriers and restrictions on cross-border data flows. It also promotes continuous and collaborative efforts aimed at helping the continent to achieve a well-functioning data governance environment that can ensure equitable access to data-driven opportunities and preserve the benefits of secure and trusted cross-border data flows in support of intra-Africa digital trade while minimizing risks stemming from misuse of personal data and infringement of privacy.
Similar to other regions, Africa is currently marked by a fragmented data governance landscape, lacks common definitions and understanding of basic concepts related to cross-border data flows, digital and data divide, limited coordination on data-related issues and countries adopting different approaches to regulate and safeguard data.
This session seeks to discuss the multifaceted impacts of fragmented policies and data governance regimes on cross-border data flows in Africa. By convening stakeholders from government, industry, civil society, and academia, we aim to explore the nuances of national policies and approaches to data and their implications for regional digital economies. Through this interactive dialogue, participants will examine the potential trade-offs between data sovereignty, data capabilities and data accessibility, identifying opportunities for collaboration and policy innovation. Unpacking the complexities of data governance will provide solutions for charting a course towards a more
interconnected and digitally inclusive Africa.
To create an equitable experience for both onsite and online participants, both onsite and online moderators will receive pre-session instructions to ensure ample consideration for online participants. This will involve prioritizing comments and questions from online participants before those physically present, acknowledging the inherent advantage of onsite attendance. To embrace the hybrid nature of the event, online and onsite moderators will foster an inclusive environment that bridges the gap between physical and virtual spaces. The online moderator will play an active role in engaging with participants through the chat function, fostering dynamic interaction throughout the session. Furthermore, all participants will be reminded by both onsite and online moderators at the outset of the session to uphold respectful discourse and adhere to the Internet Governance Forum’s code of conduct to promote a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere for meaningful exchange.
GIZ
Souhila Amazouz, Senior ICT Policy Officer, Information Society Division, African Union Commission (AUC) (Organizer)
Kuuku Sam, Data Policy Advisor, DataCipation, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) (Rapporteur)
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Government, African Group
Dr. Wairagala Wakabi, Executive Director, Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), Civil Society, African Group
Paul Baker, International Economics Consulting Limited, Private Sector, Western European and Other Group
Prof. Melissa Omino, Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law – CIPIT, Academia/Civil Society, African Group
Thelma Quaye, Director of Digital infrastructure, skills and empowerment, Smart Africa, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
Souhila Amazouz, African Union Commission, Intergovernmental Organisation, African Group
Aretha Mare, Smart Africa, Intergovernmental organization, African Group
Kuuku Sam, GIZ
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) is relevant as it emphasizes the importance of promoting inclusive economic growth and ensuring decent employment opportunities. Understanding the impact of data localisation policies on cross-border data flows is crucial for fostering an environment conducive to job creation and sustainable economic development in Africa. Similarly, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) underscores the need for resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation, both of which are directly impacted by data localization policies and their effects on cross-border data flows. Furthermore, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) highlights the importance of addressing disparities in access to technology and digital resources, which are exacerbated by barriers to cross-border data flows. Finally, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) emphasizes the necessity of cooperation and partnerships to address complex challenges such as data localization policies, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and civil society to navigate these borders effectively and maximize the benefits of data sharing and exchange in Africa.