By Chinenye Anuforo
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A new era of data protection is unfolding across Africa, with 39 out of 55 nations now enacting data privacy laws, according to a report by Yellow Card.
As the continent’s digital economy accelerates, the need to safeguard personal information has taken center stage.
Yet, while legislative progress is evident, gaps in awareness and enforcement highlight the journey still ahead in ensuring comprehensive data security.
According to the report authored by Thelma Okorie, Yellow Card’s Group Data Protection and Privacy Counsel; “over the past decade, data protection in Africa has changed significantly as the continent has become more connected to the global digital economy,”.
It accentuated the growing awareness of privacy concerns among individuals, businesses and governments.
However, the report also noted a disparity in preparedness.
“Awareness and the ability to protect data, however, varies widely across African nations, depending on factors such as each country’s legal system, economic focus, and available resources.”
While countries like Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa are pushing for stronger regulations to combat cybercrime and data misuse, others, such as Djibouti and Eritrea, are yet to introduce formal data protection laws, leaving citizens vulnerable.
Okorie emphasised the importance of these developments saying “Data protection is no longer optional, it is the backbone of trust in the digital space.
The report showed a big stride in the African digital space, and as more countries continue to formalise data protection, backed by effective enforcement, Africa will move towards a more secure digital financial ecosystem. Aligning data protection policies with emerging fintech and Crypto regulations, we will see more innovations built on consumer safety. At Yellow Card, we are demonstrating that responsible data handling can serve as a foundation for long-term growth in Africa’s digital economy, reinforcing the need for businesses and regulators to work together in shaping a secure financial future.”
Companies at the forefront of Africa’s digital finance boom are taking proactive measures to comply with evolving data protection standards. “Yellow Card, has implemented stringent compliance policies to ensure the security of personal and financial data across its operations. As a licensed entity in multiple African jurisdictions, the company is actively aligning with global best practices to protect its customers and strengthen trust in digital payments. With African countries like Nigeria leading in cryptocurrency adoption, the intersection of data protection and digital finance is increasingly relevant. While data security laws primarily focus on consumer privacy, they also lay the groundwork for structured financial oversight”, she stated.
In 2025, the report predicted further expansion of data protection laws and sector-specific regulations. “In 2025, we expect an increase in the number of African countries enacting or updating their data protection laws and we anticipating a more robust legal framework aligned with international standards.”
Additionally, a surge in enforcement actions is expected. The momentum for enforcement actions in data protection is likely to continue to rise in 2025, the report noted, citing the proactive stance of data protection authorities in Kenya and Nigeria. “This is likely to result in an increase in regulatory investigations, audits, and penalties for non-compliance.”
Strengthened collaboration among data protection authorities (DPAs) is another key trend. “One of the most promising developments for data protection in Africa is the potential for increased collaboration among data protection authorities (DPAs) across the continent,” the report emphasizes. The Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) will play a crucial role, with its upcoming conference in Nigeria in May 2025 serving as a platform for discussion.
Cross-border data transfers remain a critical issue, with frameworks like the Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) gaining traction.
Children’s online safety is also expected to be a major focus in 2025. “We expect children’s online safety to be another area of growing importance in Africa in 2025,” the report noted, citing initiatives in Senegal and Botswana. The report also references global trends, such as Australia’s ban on social media use for children under 16, as indicative of a growing need for stronger protections.
“In 2025, we expect Africa’s data protection landscape to continue to evolve rapidly, driven by legislative developments, heightened enforcement, regional collaboration, and a focus on vulnerable groups. As more countries align with international frameworks, experts posit that Africa has the potential to establish itself as a global leader in privacy and data security.