For developing nations, especially in Africa, embracing strong data protection is not only about catching up with global standards—it is about shaping a sovereign, secure, and inclusive digital future.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Data Protection Authority (DPA) of Somalia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cross-border collaboration on data protection and privacy enforcement. The signing followed the successful hosting of the 2025 edition of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) Conference and Annual General Meeting by the NDPC in Abuja, from 6-8 May, which drew participation from several African data protection authorities.

The agreement was signed by the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and the Director-General of DPA Somalia, Mr. Mohamed Nur Ali, at the NDPC headquarters in Abuja. The MoU outlines key areas of cooperation, including mutual legal assistance, information sharing, and joint efforts to promote compliance with data protection laws.

Delegations from The Gambia and Somalia had remained in Nigeria after the conference to study the NDPC’s operational model and strategic approach, which has earned the Commission growing recognition within the global data protection ecosystem.

Africa is undergoing rapid digitalization, but cross-border cooperation on data protection remains weak. Data protection is essential for preserving individual dignity and rights, building digital trust necessary for economic participation, enabling cross-border trade and innovation, strengthening national security and regulatory capacity, and guiding the ethical deployment of emerging technologies.

As of now, only 36 out of 55 African countries have enacted data protection laws, according to data from Data Protection Africa. Without cooperation agreements like this MoU, enforcement across borders becomes fragmented, making Africa vulnerable to data misuse, cybercrime, and privacy breaches. Formalizing cooperation between Nigeria and Somalia sets a precedent for other African nations to follow, helping to secure citizens’ data rights, strengthen national institutions, and create a more trustworthy digital environment for innovation and trade.

Hikmatu Bilali