General
African Lawyers Advocate Strong Data Privacy, Security Laws
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Lawyers across Africa have advocated strong data privacy and protection laws on the continent, especially now that there are more activities in cyberspace.
Lawyers in Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, Uganda and Zimbabwe recently commented on this issue in Baker McKenzie’s new Africa Data Security and Privacy Guide.
It was observed that the COVID-19 pandemic drove home the high value of personal data to the global economy, while also highlighting its vulnerability to abuse and attack.
In response, governments around the world, including those in Africa, have been reviewing their data privacy and protection laws and regulations to ensure they are adequately protected.
A Partner at Templars Law Firm in Nigeria, Ijeoma Uju, noted that it was imperative that African countries develop a strong and more coherent framework for data protection by enacting comprehensive laws and regulations for the protection of personal data and privacy of its citizens.
She said that the growth of e-commerce and business in general in African countries makes the need for data protection more pressing.
Multinational organizations looking for investment opportunities in these countries may limit their business explorative activities in Africa due to the absence of, or lack of clarity around, data protection law.
This is particularly because multinational companies collect and process a large amount of personal data in the ordinary course of their business. Thus, in order to conduct business effectively and safely in Africa, organizations need to understand the scope of data protection laws in such countries.
As for Enid Baaba Dadzie, Senior Associate at Kimathi & Partners in Ghana, the African Union has adopted the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (also known as the Malabo Convention).
This Convention encourages AU member states to recognise the need to protect critical cyber/ICT infrastructure, personal data and the free flow of information, with the aim of developing a credible digital space in Africa.
However, it has not taken effect as only a few countries in Africa have ratified it. Some African countries have implemented domestic laws and regulations to protect personal data, while others offer little to no protection.
“In light of the current technological trends and innovations, and digital trade, it is imperative for African countries to implement data privacy and protection policies. African countries must have laws that take care of the local nuances and fit the local context, without simply replicating the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and other frameworks,” she said.
Arnold Lule Sekiwano, Partner at Engoru, Mutebi Advocates in Uganda, explained that recently, there has been an upsurge in the data processing industry in respect of the data mining and data analytics areas.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to an increase in remote access to information and data globally. It is therefore imperative that African countries raise awareness, invest in training and set up relevant infrastructure to enable the implementation of data privacy and protection.
“There is a vast need for autonomous data protection and privacy regulatory bodies which can independently impose and collect fines so that funds are not lost in corruption and embezzlement, and so that personal data is lawfully collected and processed, and breaches are managed throughout the continent, to promote economic and social development,” he said.
Amalia Manuel, Partner at Atherstone & Cook in Zimbabwe agreed, stating that it was “crucial for African countries to put in place laws regulating the protection of data in light of global technological advancements.
Sonal Sejpal, Partner at ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna also stated that Africa was more connected now than ever to the rest of the world in terms of trade, and the increasing number of foreign entities doing business in Africa.
“The natural consequence of this is that personal data will continue to move across borders. Therefore, it is imperative that data privacy and data protection laws are implemented across the continent,” she explained.
The benefits of such laws are numerous. Sonal noted, “With the implementation of data protection laws, the resultant effect is that there will be more protections to data subject rights.”
“Additionally, Africa will have more control over those who process the personal data of data subjects present in Africa, limiting what they can do with personal data once collected, and throughout the life cycle of processing personal data.
“Furthermore, African countries will be able to exert more influence over the transfer of personal data from African countries, both intra-Africa and inter-Africa. This will ensure that measures are in place to secure personal data during personal data transfers,” she said.
Raphael Jakoba, the Managing Partner at MCI Law Firm in Madagascar, concurred that it was essential for African countries, such as Madagascar, to adapt to the evolution of technologies and the new realities of digital development.
“These new issues raise new risks and problems that African countries must imperatively address, and to which they must respond through the adoption of modern and updated regulations,” he said.
Pierre Deprez, an Associate at Nasrollah & Associés Baker McKenzie in Morocco, said, “Baker McKenzie in Morocco, noted, “Having strong regulations on data protection is nowadays crucial in Africa in general, and especially in Morocco, regarding the exponential rise of data processing due to the use of smartphones and e-commerce this past decade.
“On the one hand, it ensures the protection of citizens and their fundamental rights. On the other, a solid data protection law helps to reassure the foreign investor/interlocutor who wishes to exchange personal data for business purposes.”
Saad Khaldi, an Associate at Nasrollah & Associés Baker McKenzie in Morocco, agreed, “Strong data privacy regulation should be seen by African countries and businesses as a competitive advantage in a globalized world, where local and international data processing is key to gaining profitability.”
Emmanuel Muragijimana, Principal Associate at K-Solutions & Partners in Rwanda, commented that data was increasingly becoming an important asset, and collecting and sharing data could serve as big business in the present day’s digital economy. In addition, citizens are also increasingly becoming aware of the importance of protecting one’s personal data.
“African countries, therefore, cannot afford to be left behind. They have to ensure that they put in place legislation to secure the protection of data and privacy in order to prevent issues stemming from unprotected data, such as unauthorized use of one’s personal data without their knowledge, as well as the negative impact on a company or organization’s reputation should it face sanctions, among other factors,” he explained.
Janet MacKenzie, Partner and Head of the IPTech Practice at Baker McKenzie in South Africa, said that rapid digitization, boosted by the pandemic, meant that it is now critical to implement policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks that are intended to guide and enforce the protection and security of personal data, not just in Africa but around the world.
“Failure to do so will lead to business failure, massive financial loss, loss of investment and a devastating rise in criminality,” she noted.
Kafui Achille Amekoudi, Avocat at AMKA Law Firm in Togo (Cabinet Me AMEKOUDI), explained that the penetration rate of the internet in Africa was constantly increasing because Africa has realized the importance of the internet as a vector of development.
“With a population of more than a billion inhabitants, Africa is potentially a huge mine of personal data, which explains the proliferation of GAFAM projects to better connect the continent. It is therefore important, already at the primary stage, to regulate data privacy and protection,” he said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The successful closing of about $1.126 billion in financing for the execution of Phase 1, Section 2 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway has been welcomed by President Bola Tinubu.
A statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the funding package was secured by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Mr Tinubu described this as a landmark because it marks a significant milestone in the delivery of Africa’s most ambitious and transformative infrastructure projects.
He praised the Ministries of Finance and Works and the Debt Management Office (DMO) for working together on the transaction, adding that the federal government will continue to explore creative financing to fund critical projects across the country.
“This is a major achievement, and closing this transaction means the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will continue unimpeded. Our administration will continue to explore available funding opportunities to execute critical economic and priority infrastructural projects across the country,” the President was quoted as saying in the statement.
Phase 1, Section 2 covers approximately 55.7 kilometres, connecting Eleko in Lekki to Ode-Omi, key economic corridors and significantly enhancing national trade efficiency and logistics connectivity.
The successful financing follows the earlier closing of the $747 million financing for Phase 1, Section 1, and demonstrates the scalability and bankability of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The financing was fully underwritten by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Afreximbank, with partial risk mitigation support provided by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), marking ICIEC’s largest transaction since the country’s institutional and regulatory reforms. The structure reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reformed investment climate and its capacity to deliver infrastructure.
SkyKapital acted as Lead Financial Advisor, coordinating structuring, lender engagement, and execution. Environmental and Social advisory services were provided by Earth Active (UK), ensuring complete alignment with the IFC Performance Standards, the Equator Principles, and international ESG best practices. Hogan Lovells, as International Counsel, and Templars, as Nigerian Legal Counsel, led the legal advisory services.
Describing the transaction as a “defining moment in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey,” the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the fund will be deployed responsibly and judiciously to deliver on the project within timelines.
“The signing on December 19, 2025, of $1.126 billion financing for Phase one — section two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey, following the successful closing of the $747 million financing for Phase one section one on July 9, 2025.
“Collectively, these landmark transactions firmly establish the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the defining flagship projects of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, embodying the administration’s commitment to bold, transformational infrastructure.
“This financing is particularly notable as it represents, for the first time, a truly underwritten transaction of this magnitude for a Nigerian road infrastructure project. The facility was fully underwritten by First Abu Dhabi Bank ($626 million) and Afreximbank ($500 million), with partial coverage provided by ICIEC, making it the largest ICIEC-supported transaction since the institution’s creation,” Mr Edun said.
Construction is being executed by Hitech Construction Company Limited, whose rapid on-site progress and early opening of key road sections have earned commendation from lenders for engineering excellence, operational discipline, and execution speed.
In line with the federal government’s commitment to transparency and fiscal discipline, a comprehensive Value-for-Money (VfM) assessment was conducted by the Federal Ministry of Works in coordination with SkyKapital, and the assessment was independently reviewed and confirmed by GIBB.
The successful close of Phase 1, Section 2, represents a clear step-change in market confidence. It demonstrates Nigeria’s ability to move decisively from vision to execution and from reform to delivery.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and its partners for the rapid pace and completion of the mainline welding and associated works of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline ahead of schedule.
The Minister made the remark during a recent inspection of Kilometre Zero of the landmark pipeline project, accompanied by the chief executive officer of the Nigerian state oil company, Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Executive Vice President (Gas, Power, and New Energy) Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, and the managing director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Mr Nasir Abdulsalam.
“Completing the AKK Mainline ahead of schedule demonstrates the resilience, professionalism, and commitment of the project team,” Mr Ekpo said, describing the milestone as a clear reflection of the Federal Government’s renewed focus on energy infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister noted that the AKK Gas Pipeline is a strategic national infrastructure poised to drive economic growth across Northern States by supplying natural gas for power generation, supporting gas-based industries, and advancing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiatives.
“This project will enhance industrialisation, create jobs, and strengthen energy security, ushering in a new era of economic opportunities for Nigerians,” he added.
Mr Ekpo concluded by urging all stakeholders to maintain momentum, noting that the AKK Pipeline’s operationalisation will catalyze industrialisation, employment, and inclusive economic growth, aligning with the Federal Government’s broader strategic vision.
Speaking at the site, Mr Ojulari linked the project to tangible national development, highlighting Nigeria’s industrial heritage while projecting a resurgence driven by gas as a transition fuel.
“The AKK Pipeline reflects our commitment to timely project delivery and its strategic importance to national industrialisation and economic security,” he stated.
The inspection tour, according to him, further reinforced the Federal Government and NNPCL’s pledge to ensure the AKK Pipeline’s timely completion, which remains critical to expanding energy access, boosting industrial growth, and supporting shared prosperity across the country.
The Minister and the NNPC management team commended the project workforce for their dedication, emphasizing the role of discipline, collaboration, and technical excellence in achieving the early completion of this landmark project.
The AKK Gas Pipeline, spanning over 614 kilometers, is designed to deliver natural gas to power plants, industries, and CNG facilities, providing a major boost to Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and positioning the country as a regional energy hub.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the latest United States airstrikes on Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) targets in northwest Nigeria were conducted at the request of the Nigerian government.
According to reports, the US struck at ISWAP targets in Jabo, Sokoto State, on Christmas night.
The ministry described the operation as a product of established counterterrorism cooperation between both countries.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the Ministry said the strikes were “undertaken following formal engagement and with the full knowledge and coordination of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“The Government of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the airstrikes conducted by the United States against Islamic State elements in parts of northwest Nigeria were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities and in line with existing bilateral security cooperation frameworks,” the statement said.
The Ministry stressed that Nigeria “remains firmly in control of all counterterrorism operations within its sovereign territory,” adding that international partners only provide support “where such assistance aligns with Nigeria’s national security objectives.”
According to the statement, the strikes form part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to “degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt logistics networks, and protect civilian populations from violent extremist threats.”
The Foreign Ministry further emphasised that the federal government “will continue to work with trusted international partners to confront terrorism, banditry, and transnational criminal networks that threaten national and regional stability.”
Reacting to concerns around sovereignty, the Ministry said:
“At no time was Nigeria’s sovereignty compromised. All actions were conducted with due respect for Nigeria’s laws, institutions, and command structures.”
The statement also cautioned against mischaracterising Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that extremist violence “has affected communities across religious and ethnic lines and should not be framed in sectarian terms.”
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to a multi-layered response combining military operations, intelligence sharing, community engagement, and socio-economic interventions, adding that counterterrorism efforts remain focused on protecting lives and restoring stability.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strikes were carried out in Sokoto State and that multiple militants were killed.
US President Donald Trump described the strikes as “powerful and deadly,” saying they were directed at Islamic State militants responsible for violent attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has clearly denied that only Christians are affected by the killings, saying the terror spread across all faiths.
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that “more to come” as part of sustained efforts against extremist groups.
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