Join us at RightsCon for a dissemination workshop where we’ll share insights and research findings from our Data for Development project, Advancing the Governance of Data for Development in Africa.
Over 24 months, Research ICT Africa has worked closely with the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology (CIPIT) and the Local Development Research Institute (LDRI) to generate evidence across four interconnected areas: the governance of digital public infrastructure (DPI) and digital identity systems; community awareness of and engagement with data rights; cross-border data flows and their alignment with continental trade frameworks; and the role of data access in democratic processes.
Research from the consortium offers insights into Africa’s data governance landscape and the progress of operationalising the AUDPF at national and regional levels, mapping the gap between the framework’s aspirations for the continent and its current implementation. Notably, it also highlights governance challenges particularly around data protection, inclusion and institutional capacity.
With vast amounts of data being generated through government programmes using DPI, private-sector platforms, and emerging technologies such as AI, important questions must be addressed: How can Africa leverage these trends to grow its economies? How can communities exercise their rights in a data-driven environment? How can data be governed democratically and in ways that preserve the rights of all? Finally, how can African institutions build the capacity to govern data in the public interest?
Africa has the potential to be an active and equal participant in the global data value chain, but realising that potential requires governance frameworks that are fit for purpose at national, regional, and global levels. This workshop brings together regulators, policymakers, and practitioners to engage directly with the current research findings, determine what can be taken forward as we continue to develop the Data for Development agenda, and explore how research insights can directly inform regulatory, legislative, and policy work.
Speakers
- Dr Pria Chetty (Research ICT Africa)
- Tshepiso Hadebe (Research ICT Africa)
- Leonida Mutuku (LDRI)
- Dr Melissa Omino (CIPIT)
- Khumbutso Nkunika (Ministry of Technology and Science, Zambia) (TBC)
- Nkula Mwanza (Ministry of Technology and Science, Zambia) (TBC)
- Mustafa Mohammed (CIPIT) (TBC)
- Josephine Kaaniru (CIPIT) (TBC)
- Mukelani Dimba (Information Regulator, South Africa) (TBC)
- Likando Lyuwa (Data Protection Commissioner, Zambia) (TBC)
- Leah Akoth (Kenya) (TBC)
- Ruhiya Seward (IDRC) (TBC)
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026
Time: 09:00–13:30
Venue: Room AG05 (Kenneth Kaunda Wing), Mulungushi International Conference Centre
Register here
Reminder: All participants, including those attending satellite events, must be registered for RightsCon 2026. Registration is now open.