Somalia has officially joined the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) during the 8th edition of the organisation’s annual conference held in Abuja, Nigeria, from May 6 to May 8, 2025. The event brought together data protection authorities, experts, and observers from over 30 African countries.
Themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa with the Protection of Privacy in Emerging Technologies,” the three-day conference focused on the urgent need for robust data governance frameworks as the continent rapidly embraces digital transformation.
Somalia’s inclusion in NADPA marks a significant milestone in its efforts to strengthen privacy rights and establish a regulatory environment that supports responsible innovation. By joining the network, Somalia commits to enhancing data protection standards, fostering regional cooperation, and aligning with continental digital priorities.
NADPA serves as a key platform for African states to collaborate on data privacy policies, share best practices, and collectively address challenges posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and digital identity systems.
Officials from Somalia’s data protection agency welcomed the move, emphasizing that membership will support national reforms and help safeguard citizens’ digital rights in an increasingly interconnected world.