Experts from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) validated a draft regional data governance framework at a workshop in Brazzaville, but the document must still pass through the bloc’s formal decision-making process before it can be implemented.
The meeting, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and ECCAS on Oct. 19-20, brought together 30 representatives from the 11 member states and development partners. Participants agreed on common priorities for strengthening data governance and enabling secure cross-border data exchange, according to the ECA.
The framework seeks to address fragmented national systems, differing regulatory approaches and limited interoperability that currently hinder information sharing between public institutions and the development of cross-border digital services.
It covers six areas: legal and regulatory rules, institutional governance, shared infrastructure and interoperability standards, cross-border data flows, financing and capacity building, and the economic use of data, including youth digital entrepreneurship. Proposed measures include secure information exchange between public bodies, interoperable digital public services and electronic certificates of origin to ease regional trade.
The text builds on consultations held in Douala, Cameroon, from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. The Brazzaville workshop focused on reviewing the draft, agreeing priorities and outlining next steps.
A 36-month roadmap is proposed. The first six months would establish institutional and regulatory foundations, months six to 24 would introduce regional mechanisms, and the final 12 months would consolidate progress. The roadmap does not mean implementation has started. Formal approval by ECCAS decision-making bodies is still required, and execution will depend on coordination among member states, clear institutional roles and sustainable financing.
The initiative is supported by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the African Union Commission and German development cooperation, alongside ECA and ECCAS.
