A Finland-led delegation recently visited Nigeria’s National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to advance cybersecurity standards for data infrastructure as part of the AU–EU Data Governance in Africa Initiative. The collaboration aims to develop robust cybersecurity frameworks, strengthen digital resilience, and align Nigeria’s data protection with international standards. For more information, visit
The meeting was about a project under the AU–EU Data Governance in Africa Initiative, run by Gofore Ltd. with HAUS (Finland) and GIZ (Germany). Nigeria is one of the main countries involved, along with Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda, and Senegal. The project aims to create cybersecurity guidelines for data centres, along with training materials and tools to evaluate progress, to improve security and meet African and international standards.
The meeting discussed important topics like national priorities for secure data systems and digital safety, how policies and rules can balance data control, local data use, and regional cooperation, and ways for governments, regulators, and private companies to work together to improve cybersecurity practices.
The meeting also thoroughly explored the proposed cooperation initiatives between the NDPC and the Finland Data Protection Authority, delving into the specifics of how both entities can work together effectively. In addition, the discussion covered other potential areas of collaboration that could enhance data protection efforts and regulatory practices in both jurisdictions.
