- Benin and Mali sign data protection cooperation agreement
- Pact aims to enhance best practice sharing, joint complaint handling, and compliance checks
- Countries to develop shared regulatory standards via technical committees
Benin's Personal Data Protection Authority (APDP) said on Tuesday it signed a cooperation agreement with its counterpart in Mali, seeking closer ties as digital sovereignty issues gain traction in West Africa.
The initiative will foster regular exchanges of best practices and the sharing of operational tools between the two data protection agencies, the APDP announced. The agreement also allows for the joint handling of specific complaints or compliance checks.
Furthermore, Benin and Mali will work towards developing common regulatory standards through dedicated technical committees. They plan to hold joint commissions every two years and organize shared training sessions to enhance the skills of their respective staff.
This collaboration aligns with a broader continental movement spearheaded by the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP), which promotes the harmonization of digital regulation across the continent. The move comes as the protection of personal data increasingly becomes a strategic priority for African nations.
According to Africa Cybersecurity Magazine, 37 of the continent's 54 countries now have national laws addressing personal data protection, including both Benin and Mali. However, the effective enforcement of these laws remains a hurdle in several nations.
Through this agreement, Benin and Mali aim to forge a unified approach to the escalating complexities of digital regulation. In a landscape characterized by the cross-border movement of data, the compatibility of legal frameworks is increasingly vital. This partnership could facilitate a more coordinated response to potential threats and help establish a strong foundation of digital trust within West Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
