The African Union Agenda 2063 and Data Protection: Prospects, Challenges, and Policy Implications

The 2015 African Union Agenda 2063 promises “an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.” Within its seven ambitions and several flagship projects, digital transformation and data governance are becoming key drivers of socio-economic success. Data is an economic resource and a human rights problem in the digital age, therefore adequate data protection is crucial for trust, privacy, and Africa's involvement in the global digital economy. This article investigates how Agenda 2063 prioritises data protection and cybersecurity. The African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention), regional frameworks from ECOWAS, EAC, and SADC, and global regimes like the GDPR and APEC Privacy Framework are highlighted. While 39 African countries have data protection legislation and 34 have Data Protection Authorities, enforcement is patchy, with fewer than half of AU member states ratifying the Malabo Convention. Weak institutional capability, digital illiteracy, cybercrime expansion, and fragmented policy approaches are major issues. Opportunities exist: the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) facilitates harmonised digital trade, Africa's young are a source of digital innovation, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) boosts global relevance. To improve cyber resilience, the report advises expediting legislative framework harmonisation, boosting institutions and public awareness, and encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration. Agenda 2063 needs strong data protection measures to protect privacy and rights and enable inclusive, secure, and sustainable development across the continent.