Programme
The event will span for four days and include the arrival of distinguished participants. Highlights will feature a welcome cocktail, a two-day conference, an annual general meeting, a gala dinner themed “African Gatsby,” and a closed session for data protection authorities. Download the programme PDF here.
|
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
7:00am – 9:50am | Registration/Arrival of guests/Networking |
10:00am – 10:05am | National Anthem |
10:05am – 10:15am | Introduction/Recognition of Dignitaries |
10:15am – 10:25am | Welcome Speech National Commissioner/CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) |
10:25am – 10:35am | Opening Speech Chairperson, NADPA-RAPDP and Chair Data Protection Authority (HAPAP), Niger. |
10:35am – 10:50am | Goodwill Messages Sen. Shuaib Afolabi Salisu
Chairman House Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity
 Comrade Ayodele Olawande
Hon. Minister of Youth Development
 Ambassador Annett Günther
German Ambassador to Nigeria and Ambassador
 Gautier Mignot
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria
|
10:50am – 11:00am | Opening Remark Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria |
11:00am – 11:10am | The Official Opening His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, GCON Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria |
11:10am – 11:20am | Group Photograph |
11:20am – 11:30am | Tour of Exhibition Pavilion |
PLENARY SESSION 1 : SESSION BRIEF
DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION REGULATION
This session will provide an in-depth analysis of the various data protection regulations and frameworks currently in place across Africa. It will compare and contrast the regional and national approaches to privacy and data protection, looking at the successes and challenges faced by different countries. Critical discussions will include the implementation of the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Data Protection (Malabo Convention), the role of regional bodies like the ECOWAS, EAC and the impact of international regulations such as GDPR on African nations. The session will emphasize the need for harmonized approaches to ensure consistent privacy standards across the continent.
11:30am – 11:50am | PS1AKeynote Address - Regulatory Approaches to Data Privacy in Africa. Executive Chairman Consultancy Support Services |
11:50am – 12:55pm | PS1BPanel Discussion - Unifying Data Protection in Africa: Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of a Harmonized Regulatory Framework.Panelists National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
 Commissioner, Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), Kenya.
 Des Données Personnelles (CDP) du Sénégal
Commissioner, The High Authority for the Protection of Personal Data, Niger Republic.
 National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection (CNDP), Morocco.
|
12:55pm – 13:05pm | Presentation on Data Mapping (Scratch&Script) Presentation on Hackthon (ISACA, Abuja) |
13:10pm – 14:00pm | LUNCH |
14:05pm – 14:25pm | Fireside ChatHarnessing the Potential of Open-Source AI while Ensuring Data Protection Discussants Vice-President, Global Engagement, Privacy Policy, Meta.
 Founder and CVO Digital Encode Ltd.
|
PLENARY SESSION 2: SESSION BRIEF
ECONOMIC GROWTH & PRIVACY
This special session explores the delicate balance between fostering economic growth and ensuring robust data protection frameworks in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy. As Countries embrace e-commerce, digital banking, and data-driven industries, this discussion will highlight how data privacy laws can coexist with innovative economic growth initiatives. The session will start with a keynote address on the importance of integrating privacy concerns into the economic development agenda, examining the need for transparent policies that ensure data protection without stifling business opportunities in Africa. This will be followed by a panel session on “Strategies for fostering confidence in Africa’s digital economy”.
14:30pm – 14:50pm | PS2AKeynote Address - Stimulating Economic Growth while Protecting Privacy Concerns in the African Digital Economy. President of Centre for Information Policy Leadership (CIPL) |
14:50pm – 16:20pm | PS2BPanel Discussion - Strategies for Fostering Consumer and Investor Confidence in Africa’s Digital Economy: Addressing Privacy, Security, and Trust.Panelists  Lagos Business School ( Pan-Atlantic University ).
 Public Relations Executive, Huawei Technologies
 Director Government Affairs, Microsoft
 European Union
 Global Data Protection Officer and ISMS Manager at Paystack
 General Manager, Information Security, MTN Nigeria Communications PLC.
 The Managing Partner, Alliance Law Firm.
|
16:30pm – 18:00pm |
MASTER CLASSData Protection in the Age of AI and Large Language ModelsThe masterclass will introduce attendees to key data protection issues in the context of AI technology development and deployment with a focus on Large Language Models, as well as emerging developments in the area of data protection enforcement vis-a-vis AI systems. Experts will draw on international case studies of data protection enforcement against AI services and companies to provide a practical perspective on the possibilities for regulatory activity. |
OPEN LOOP SPRINTLeveraging AI for Innovation And Economic GrowthMeta’s Open Loop sprint aims to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives from around the world to collaboratively shape evidence-based and effective and responsible AI policies. It offers a dynamic format for rapid exploration and development of policy solutions in critical areas such as open-source AI. |
Launch of White PaperData Management Ecosystem in NigeriaIn today’s data-driven world, national sovereignty, economic prosperity, and citizen trust hinge increasingly on how data is governed, protected, and leveraged. Recognising this, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) views data not merely as an economic resource, but as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sovereignty, innovation ecosystem, and sustainable development. This White Paper, Data Management Ecosystem in Nigeria, provides a practical, rights-based, and future-proofed framework for implementing secure, sovereign, and interoperable data ecosystems—rooted in law, driven by technical capacity, and informed by global and continental best practices. By integrating local realities with leading global frameworks—including the GDPR and Convention 108+, this document charts a path toward deepening the culture of data privacy & protection. |
18:00pm – 18:30pm | Networking | ||
DAY 1 ENDS |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
7:45am – 8:30am | Networking |
PLENARY SESSION 3 : SESSION BRIEF
INNOVATION & PRIVACY
With FinTech innovations such as mobile payments, digital wallets, and blockchain technologies, safeguarding personal and financial data has become more critical than ever. The session will explore how fintech companies can innovate while respecting privacy rights and how regulators can create frameworks that encourage growth without compromising user privacy. Case studies from successful fintech regulatory models will also be discussed.
08:45am – 09:05am | PS3AKeynote Address : Data Protection in the Era of Fintech in Africa: Balancing Innovation with Privacy. Co-founder/Co CEO XChangeBox |
09:05am – 10:35am | PS3BHave your Cake and Eat it : The Role of Privacy Preserving Technologies in Enabling Digital Innovation and Data Protection in Africa.Panelists  Truata Inc., Privacy Industry Expert.
 Assistant General Counsel/Senior Vice President, Privacy and Data Protection, Mastercard
 Group Chief Information Security Officer, UBA
 Data Protection Commissioner, Kenya
Founder and CVO Digital Encode Ltd.
|
10:35am – 10:55am | Fireside ChatSafeguarding Trust in Africa’s Digital Identity System: The Nigeria Experience Director-General and CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
|
PARALLEL SESSIONS |
11:00am – 12:30pm |
Room ABS2AShaping Africa’s Privacy Future: Preparing The Next Generation of Privacy ProfessionalsWith the evolving landscape of digital technologies and data protection laws, this session will focus on preparing Africa's next generation of privacy professionals. It will explore the need for educational programs, certification initiatives, and capacity-building efforts to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complex field of data protection. The session will also discuss the importance of fostering a culture of privacy within Africa’s future workforce, encouraging the development of leaders who can address both local and global privacy challenges.
Discussants/Panelists Head, Legal, Enforcement & Regulation, NDPC
 Founder, 1st Data Privacy Club, University of Ilorin
 Director of International Cooperation | Somalia Data Protection Authority (SDPA)
 Azure Business Lead Africa, Microsoft
 Chairman Board of Association of Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organization of Nigeria (ALDAPCON)
 Partner Aluko& Oyebode
|
Room BBS2BGuardians of Privacy: Strengthening Africa’s Data Protection Authorities in The Digital AgeThis session will examine how Africa’s data protection authorities can be strengthened to oversee data protection in the digital age effectively. Discussions will focus on capacity building, technological tools, and international collaboration to enhance regulators' capabilities. Speakers will also explore the challenges these authorities face in dealing with data breaches, cross-border data flows, and the enforcement of privacy laws and propose strategies to empower these institutions to become more agile and responsive in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Discussants/Panelists National Commissioner/CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
 President of National Commission of Data Protection, Cape Verde
 President, Autorité de protection des données à caractère personnel (APDP), Benin
 Director Data Protection POTRAZ Zimbabwe
 Executive Director Data Protection Commission, Ghana
 Senior Data Protection Expert, European Commission’s International Digital Cooperation Project
|
MASTERCLASSEnabling Privacy and Innovation through Privacy Enhancing TechnologiesIn this comprehensive session, participants will gain a deep understanding of PETs through a structured mental model, learn how these technologies can help organizations meet privacy and data protection obligations while unlocking the value of data, and discover when the use of PETs is most appropriate. This masterclass will provide participants with (i) a mental model for understanding privacy enhancing technologies (PETs) and the questions to ask technical and commercial stakeholders before embarking on a project that uses PETs, (ii) how PETs can help meet privacy and data protection obligations and unlock the value of data, and when the use of PETs is the most appropriate, and (iii) examples of practical applications of PETs, and practical demonstration of PETs. |
12:40pm – 13:50pm | LUNCH |
PLENARY SESSION 4: SESSION BRIEF
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & PRIVACY
This session will address the emerging challenges and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa, focusing on the privacy paradox. As AI technologies such as machine learning, big data analytics, and automation evolve, they often rely on large datasets that may include sensitive personal information. Experts will discuss the tension between the need for AI innovation and the imperative of safeguarding individual privacy. The session will explore solutions for balancing AI-driven progress with citizens’ rights and the role of African regulators in setting boundaries for AI development.
14:00pm – 14:20pm | PS4AKeynote: AI in Africa: Privacy Paradox.Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria |
14:20pm – 15:50pm | PS4BThe Privacy Paradox in the Age of AI: Stimulating Innovation while Protecting Individual Rights.Discussants/Panelists  Director of Privacy Policy, Africa, Middle East and Turkey, Meta
 Head of Project, GIZ/Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Nigeria
 Senior Partner, Nsiah Akuetteh & Co.; Founder & Executive Director Africa Digital Rights’ Hub LBG
 Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google
 Vice President, Data Privacy & AI Governance Officer, Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, Government of Dubai
|
PLENARY SESSION 5: SESSION BRIEF
SINGLE DIGITAL MARKET & PRIVACY
This session will explore the opportunities and challenges of creating a Single Digital Market in Africa. It will focus on the role of data protection regulations in facilitating seamless cross-border digital trade while ensuring privacy standards are maintained. Discussions will highlight the importance of collaboration among African nations to harmonize privacy and data protection laws, reduce barriers to digital trade, and foster innovation. The session will also consider the potential impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on digital commerce and data protection.
15:50pm – 17:20pm | PS5ABridging the Digital Divide: Strategies to Facilitate Seamless Cross-Border Digital Trade and Improve Digital Infrastructure.Discussants/Panelists  Digital Transformation Coordination Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
 East Africa Community (EAC)
 Commissioner, The Information Regulator (South Africa)
 Senior Expert, International Digital Cooperation Project, EUs
 Vice President, Data Protection and Regulatory Compliance, Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, Government of Dubai
|
19:00pm – 21:00pm | African Gatsby Night
|
DAY 2 ENDS |
CLOSED SESSION
STRICTLY FOR DPAs
- Peer-to-peer discussions and knowledge sharing
- Strategic planning and collaboration
- Confidential sharing of best practices and challenges
SIDE EVENTS
Data Policy and Governance for AI:
Fostering Responsible Innovation and Adoption
Data is the fuel of modern innovation, driving advancements in AI, business intelligence, healthcare, and beyond. However, organisations must navigate the delicate balance between harnessing data’s potential and ensuring privacy, security, and compliance. This half-day session explores the respective roles of organisations, regulators, and legislators in enabling responsible and trusted innovation. Key themes will include interpreting data protection principles in the age of AI; best organisational practices for responsible data use; the role of tools such as Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs); and the links between cross-border data flows, connectivity, and data-driven innovation.
Securing Safe and Trustworthy Cross-Border Data Flows
Cross-border data flows are essential for Africa’s digital transformation, driving trade, innovation and regional integration. However, achieving secure and trusted data flows requires balancing local contexts with global standards. This side event will focus on practical solutions to foster trusted data flows across Africa through panel sessions and hands-on presentations featuring policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders and civil society.
Identifying Private Surveillance Providers: Strengthening Regulatory Oversight in Nigeria
As surveillance technologies become increasingly embedded in private security services, regulators face new challenges in identifying and overseeing providers operating at the intersection of private security and data processing. This session will explore practical strategies for identifying private surveillance providers and understanding the scope of regulatory mandates under Nigeria’s evolving legal and institutional framework.