Central African Bloc Validates Regional Data Governance Framework

October 22, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has validated a regional data governance framework designed to harmonise regulatory approaches, facilitate secure cross-border data flows and support digital integration among its member states.

The framework was validated at a workshop held on October 19–20, 2026, in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with ECCAS. The meeting brought together 30 representatives from member states and technical and development partners.

The initiative seeks to address fragmented national data governance systems, differences in regulation and limited interoperability that complicate the secure exchange of information across borders.

The framework identifies six priority areas: legal and regulatory systems; institutional governance; shared infrastructure and interoperability standards; cross-border data flows; financing and capacity building; and the economic value of data and youth digital entrepreneurship.

Proposed applications include secure information exchange between public institutions, digital public services and electronic certificates of origin intended to facilitate trade among ECCAS member states.

The validation follows regional assessments and consultations, including a stakeholder workshop in Douala, Cameroon, held from August 31 to September 4, 2026. The Brazzaville meeting reviewed the proposed framework, established common priorities and considered the institutional arrangements needed for implementation.

Guichard Tsangou, ECCAS director of posts, telecommunications and digital economy, said the framework would help member states move towards common rules and more secure data exchanges.

Mactar Seck, representing ECA, said implementation would require clearly assigned institutional responsibilities, national ownership, sustainable financing and monitoring mechanisms.

The framework also calls for alignment with the African Union Data Policy Framework. Christelle Onana, head of digitalisation at the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, said the regional approach should reflect the institutional and regulatory conditions of individual member states.

Olaf Handloegten, representing German development cooperation agency GIZ, said the initiative should strengthen data protection while facilitating the movement of data across the subregion. GIZ reaffirmed its support for developing an inclusive and secure regional data economy.

A three-phase roadmap envisages implementation over 36 months. The first six months would focus on establishing institutional and regulatory foundations, followed by operationalisation of regional mechanisms between months six and 24. The final phase, covering months 24 to 36, would consolidate progress.

Celedonio Nguema Angono, director-general of telecommunications in Equatorial Guinea, which holds the rotating ECCAS presidency, called for continued regional cooperation and the sharing of national experiences as the framework moves towards implementation.

Source: FSX Business News