The African Union’s data policy framework

On July 28, 2022, the African Union (AU) released its Data Policy Framework (Framework) following extensive multi-stakeholder engagements. The AU Data Policy Framework sets out a common vision, principles, strategic priorities and key recommendations to guide African countries in developing their national data systems and capabilities to effectively use and derive value from data. 

 The Framework aims to provide a multi-year blueprint for how the AU will accomplish its goals for Africa’s digital economy. It also sets forth the AU’s vision, scope, and priorities for Africa’s data ecosystem, the regulatory policies underpinning the digital economy, and the creation of the African Digital Single Market (DSM). Broadly, the Framework provides data governance guidance for Africa’s data market by helping Member States navigate complex regulatory issues.