By 
By Nana Theresa Timothy
Abuja Hosts Landmark Africa Data Protection Conference. Launches Virtual Data Privacy Academy.
The 8th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) officially kicked off on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Abuja. The three-day event, themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa with the Protection of Privacy in Emerging Technologies,” was declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.
RELATED: NDPC launches national certification program for data protection officers
The high-level gathering brought together African policymakers, data protection authorities (DPAs), private sector leaders, tech giants, legal experts, and civil society stakeholders to foster dialogue on innovation, data privacy, and digital governance.
Hosted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in collaboration with the NADPA-RAPDP, the conference is Africa’s premier event focused on shaping the future of data governance on the continent.
Nigeria Leads Africa’s Digital Transformation Agenda
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, underscored Nigeria’s growing leadership in the global digital space.
“Africa is no longer sitting on the sidelines. We are participating in decisions on digital innovation, governance, and emerging technologies. This conference is a testament to that progress,” Tijani stated.
He highlighted strategic initiatives such as the:
- National AI Strategy
- Digital Public Infrastructure Framework
- $2 Billion Broadband Expansion Project, with 90,000km of fiber optic deployment
- Tech Talent Accelerator targeting 3 million digital professionals
He also revealed that Nigeria is finalizing the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill—a legislative framework designed to institutionalize seamless, secure, and citizen-centric governance in the digital age.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a global exporter of digital expertise.
“We are training 3 million tech talents through the largest tech accelerator in the world.”
Launch of the First Data Protection Virtual Academy
A key highlight was the unveiling of the Data Protection Virtual Academy, a ground-breaking e-learning platform to train professionals in privacy and regulatory compliance.
Launched by NDPC in partnership with legal luminaries Uche Val Obi, SAN, and Olumide Babalola, the Academy offers:
- Certified Associateship (APAc) – Entry-level training
- Certified Membership (MPAc) – Intermediate, practice-based learning
- Certified Fellowship (FPAc) – Advanced policy and enforcement training
The Academy features a faculty of top legal scholars including Prof. Adedeji Adekunle, SAN, Dr. Bernard Jemilohun, and Prof. Simisola Akintola, providing scalable, virtual data privacy education to both public and private sectors.
He praised the Academy as a global-first initiative providing flexible, virtual training opportunities for civil servants, private sector workers, and job seekers alike
“This is not just about compliance; this is about trust. Without trust, the digital economy cannot scale,” Tijani declared.
Pan-African Collaboration on Data Privacy Standards
Immaculate Kassait, Kenya’s Data Commissioner, delivered a message from Iro Adamou, NADPA-RAPDP Chair and Niger’s Data Protection Authority lead. The address praised Nigeria’s regulatory momentum and called for harmonized, continent-wide data governance frameworks to support Africa’s collective digital trust and resilience.
Nigeria’s Milestones in Data Regulation
Host and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, shared Nigeria’s notable regulatory achievements:
- 267+ licensed Data Protection Officers
- 5,487 compliance assessments
- $1.2 million in regulatory revenue
Dr. Olatunji emphasized that “strong data protection laws are not barriers—they are building blocks for a secure and thriving digital economy.”
High-Level Attendance and Strategic Outcomes
The event concluded with a call for:
- Greater regional cooperation
- Public-private partnerships
- Education and capacity-building initiatives
Dignitaries included:
- Umar Abubakar Tafida, Deputy Governor, Kebbi State
- Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development
- Senator Shuiab Salisu, Senate Committee Chair on ICT & Cybersecurity
- Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria
- Annett Günther, German Ambassador to Nigeria
- Representatives from ministries, agencies, multinationals, law enforcement, startups, and more
