The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called for clear, transparent and predictable regulatory frameworks that can promote investment in digital infrastructure while protecting the rights and privacy of data subjects across Africa.
The Commission made the call at the International Telecoms Week (ITW) and Datacloud Africa 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, where the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, was represented by the Head of Compliance Services Management, Mrs Caroline Okafor, Esq.
Okafor participated in two high-level panel sessions examining regulation, digital infrastructure, connectivity and investment in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
Speaking at the Regulatory Roundtable, themed “Regulation That Builds: Aligning Policy and Digital Infrastructure Investment Priorities,” she stressed the need for governments to create an enabling environment for cross-border digital infrastructure and investment.
She said effective regulation should build trust rather than create unnecessary barriers to investment, emphasising the importance of a risk-based approach to data protection, Privacy by Design and clear regulatory requirements that give investors and infrastructure providers certainty for long-term investments.
At the second panel session, Okafor highlighted the importance of sector-specific guidelines, continuous sensitisation and public awareness in strengthening compliance and building trust across the digital ecosystem.
She noted that regulation should not “shut the door” on investment, but should provide clear pathways for businesses to innovate and invest responsibly while safeguarding the rights and privacy of data subjects.
The NDPC’s participation in ITW Africa 2026 underscored the Commission’s commitment to promoting trusted digital transformation and responsible investment while advancing regulatory approaches that protect personal data and support innovation, connectivity and sustainable digital growth across Africa.
