Africa Digital Rights Hub

One Platform. Two Powerful Outcomes. Africa’s digital future depends on one critical factor: TRUST. This year, the Data Protection Africa Summit and the Picasso Awards Africa come together again, bringing policy dialogue and innovation recognition onto one powerful continental platform. One gathering. Two powerful outcomes. • Conversations shaping Africa’s digital policy landscape • Recognition of the innovators advancing digital rights and responsible technology Convened by Africa Digital Rights Hub, this platform connects regulators, policymakers, innovators, and civil society working to build a trusted digital future for Africa. More conversations. More collaboration. More impact. Follow this page as we begin sharing conversations, insights, and stories shaping Africa’s digital future, and opportunities to partner with and support this growing movement.

Good news: nominations for the PICCASO Awards Africa 2026 are still open! You now have until Friday, 14th August 2026 to submit your nomination and get your work recognised on Africa's biggest data protection and privacy stage this November in Lagos, Nigeria. Whether you are a DPO, a regulator, a rising star, a law firm, or an organisation doing exceptional work in data privacy, cybersecurity, or digital governance — there is a category for you. Do not let this opportunity pass. Submit your nomination today. 👉 piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #DigitalAfrica #AfricaInnovates #ExcellenceInPrivacy

🎙️ Coming Soon | Digital Rights Africa Podcast – Season 5, Episode 2 What are the biggest trends shaping digital rights across Africa? Join Teki Akuetteh and Ridwan Oloyede of Tech Hive Advisory Africa as they unpack the opportunities, challenges, and emerging trends defining Africa's digital future. Topic: Digital Rights in Africa: Trends, Challenges & What's Ahead 🗓️ Premieres: 7th August 2026 While you wait, catch up on our previous episodes: ▶️ YouTube: bit.ly/4bglz9R 🎧 Spotify: bit.ly/3QzmRGd Don't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! #ADRH #DRAPS5 #DigitalRightsAfrica #DigitalRights #DataProtection #Privacy #CyberSecurity #DataGovernance #AfricaTech #Podcast

Winning the PICCASO Africa Rising Star Award was a defining moment for Komborerai Allan Manenji, affirming that meaningful work in data protection and digital rights has the power to shape Africa's digital future. His journey is a reminder that today's efforts can become tomorrow's inspiration. Could your story be next? Nominations for the PICCASO Awards Africa 2026 are now open. If you are driving innovation, championing privacy, strengthening data protection, or creating lasting impact across Africa, this is your opportunity to be recognised among the continent's leading changemakers. 👉 Submit your nomination today: piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #MostOutstandingDPO #DigitalAfrica #ExcellenceInPrivacy

Great organisations are built on a culture of accountability—and great Data Protection Officers help create that culture. The Most Outstanding Data Protection Officer (DPO) award celebrates professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing data protection and privacy within their organisations. Whether you have strengthened compliance, embedded privacy into business processes, influenced strategic decision-making, or championed a culture of accountability, your contributions deserve to be recognised. 🏆 Nominations are still open. Nominate yourself or an outstanding Data Protection Officer whose work is setting the benchmark for privacy excellence across Africa. 👉 Submit your nomination today: piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #MostOutstandingDPO #DigitalAfrica #ExcellenceInPrivacy

Every effort to create safer digital experiences for children matters. Whether through stronger privacy protections, child-friendly digital services, awareness campaigns, innovative technologies, or advocacy, your work is helping shape a safer online environment for the next generation. The Safeguarding Children's Data Award recognises organisations and individuals whose work is making a meaningful impact in protecting children's privacy and personal data. Nominations are still open. If you, your organisation, or someone you know is championing children's data protection, now is the time to gain the recognition you deserve at Africa's premier data protection and privacy awards. 👉 Submit your nomination today: piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #PICCASOAwardsAfrica2026 #PICCASOAwards #DPAS2026 #SafeguardingChildrensData #ChildOnlineSafety #DataProtection #Privacy #DigitalRights #NominateNow

Excellence in privacy law deserves to be recognised. Across Africa, law firms are playing a critical role in strengthening data protection frameworks, guiding organisations on compliance, and advancing the protection of individuals' privacy rights. The Data Protection and Privacy Law Firm of the Year award celebrates law firms that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, expertise, and impact in the field of data protection and privacy law. Has your firm been leading the way in privacy and data protection? Now is the time to showcase your achievements on Africa's biggest stage for privacy excellence. Nominations are still open. Submit your nomination today and let your firm's impact be recognised. 👉 piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #PICCASOAwardsAfrica2026 #PICCASOAwards #DPAS2026 #PrivacyLaw #DataProtection #DataPrivacy #DigitalRights #AfricaDigitalRights #NominateNow

Africa’s digital future will be defined not only by technology, but by the choices we make today. The policies we create. The rights we protect. The innovators we empower. Together, we are building a future grounded in trust, inclusion, and opportunity. Foster. Facilitate. Fortify. dataprotectionafrica.org #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #DigitalAfrica #AfricaInnovates #ExcellenceInPrivacy

Join the conversation on smart data privacy laws implementation. As data protection frameworks continue to evolve, effective implementation requires collaboration between data protection authorities, regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The @GSMA webinar will explore key topics including: 🔹 Balancing innovation, trust, and safety in the mobile ecosystem 🔹 Cross-regulatory collaboration 🔹 Mobile money scam prevention 🔹 Emerging trends in smart data privacy laws implementation 🗓 Date: Wednesday, 5 August If you're a data protection professional, policymaker, regulator, or digital rights advocate, this is a discussion worth attending. 📅 Add the event to your calendar: linkedin.com/events/smartda… #ADRH #DataProtection #Privacy #DataGovernance #DigitalRights #SmartData #GSMA #Africa

Nominations are still open for the PICCASO Awards Africa 2026, and today we spotlight the Safeguarding Children's Data Award. This category honours organisations and individuals demonstrating outstanding commitment to protecting children's personal data across Africa, through policy, innovation, or advocacy that puts young people's privacy first. Know someone or an organisation leading the way in safeguarding children's data? Nominate them today. Submit your nomination at piccasoawardsafrica.com #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #DigitalAfrica #AfricaInnovates #ExcellenceInPrivacy

Have you watched our latest episode yet? In this episode, Ms. Teki Akuetteh, Executive Director of the Africa Digital Rights' Hub, engages Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in a thought-provoking conversation on the evolving digital rights landscape in Africa. They discuss critical issues including: 🔹 Why protecting privacy is everyone’s responsibility 🔹 Making cross-border data protection work 🔹 Building a culture of compliance through collaboration 🔹 The growing opportunities in data privacy as a career pathway This episode offers valuable insights for privacy professionals, policymakers, businesses, students, and anyone interested in Africa’s digital future. 🎧 Catch the full conversation between Dr. Vincent Olatunji and Ms. Teki Akuetteh, on YouTube and Spotify. Listen on Spotify: bit.ly/3QzmRGd Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4bglz9R #ADRH #DRAPS5 #NIGERIA #DigitalRightsAfrica #DataProtection #Privacy #DataPrivacy #Cybersecurity #DigitalRights #Africa #Compliance #Trust

📋 Still wondering what it takes to submit a nomination for the PICCASO Awards Africa 2026? It is simpler than you think, and it will only take a few minutes of your time. Here is exactly what you will need to put together: 1️⃣ About the Nominee or Team 2️⃣ A concise overview of your nomination 3️⃣ Achievements in the last 18 months 4️⃣ Impact of your work 5️⃣ Supporting documents 6️⃣ A portrait or company logo That is it. No lengthy forms. No complicated process. Just your story and the work that speaks for itself. 👉 Submit your nomination now: piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #DigitalAfrica #AfricaInnovates #ExcellenceInPrivacy

Not sure how to submit your nomination for the PICCASO Awards Africa 2026? We've got you covered! Watch this short video to see exactly how to complete your nomination — step by step, quick and simple. 👀 Your work in data privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, or digital governance across Africa deserves to be on that stage. Do not let the process stop you. 👉 Submit your nomination now: piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #DigitalAfrica #AfricaInnovates #ExcellenceInPrivacy

Every child deserves to be safe in digital spaces, and the people working to make that happen deserve to be recognised. The Safeguarding Children's Data Award honours organisations and individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to protecting children's privacy, data, and digital rights. 🌍 Whether through age-appropriate design, digital literacy programmes, parental controls, or privacy by design built specifically for children. If you are doing this work, this award is for you. Nominate yourself, your organisation, or someone you know who is making a real difference for children online. 👇 📩 Nominate now: piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #ChildOnlineSafety #DigitalAfrica #SafeguardingChildren

"Data protection laws do not stop at national borders." As digital services become increasingly global, one of the biggest questions for regulators is: How do you enforce a data protection law when the company processing your citizens' data is located in another country? In this episode of the Digital Rights Africa Podcast, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), explains why international cooperation is essential for effective data protection. Nigeria's law applies not only to organizations based in Nigeria, but also to organizations outside Nigeria that process the personal data of Nigerians. 🎧 Catch the full conversation between Dr. Vincent Olatunji and Ms. Teki Akuetteh, on YouTube and Spotify. Listen on Spotify: bit.ly/3QzmRGd Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4bglz9R #ADRH #DRAPS5 #NIGERIA #DigitalRightsAfrica #DataProtection #Privacy #DataPrivacy #Cybersecurity #DigitalRights #Africa #Compliance #Trust

Strong digital ecosystems do not happen by accident. They are built through collaboration, investment, research, and leadership. Every conversation we convene, and every innovator we recognise, contributes to a safer and more trusted digital Africa. Join the movement. For more information, visit: dataprotectionafrica.org Foster. Facilitate. Fortify. #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #DigitalAfrica #AfricaInnovates #ExcellenceInPrivacy

Meet the Full Judging Panel | PICCASO Awards Africa 2026! We are proud to announce that this year's nominations will be evaluated by Janine McKelvey, Prof. Dominic Orr, Rimini H. Makama, Ralph T O'Brien, Noriswadi Ismail, Amanda Shivamba, and Assoua Cauffi Silvere. Together, they bring decades of expertise in data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, and digital governance from across the globe, and they will be the ones deciding who takes home an award in Lagos this November. Make sure your work is in front of them. 📩 Nominate now: piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #MeetTheJudges #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #DigitalAfrica

📋 Wondering what it takes to submit a nomination for the PICCASO Awards Africa 2026? It is simpler than you think. Here is exactly what you will need: ✅ About the Nominee or Team ✅ A concise overview of your nomination ✅ Achievements in the last 18 months ✅ Impact of your work ✅ Supporting documents ✅ A portrait or company logo That is it. A few minutes of your time could put your work or someone else's on Africa's biggest data protection and privacy stage this November in Lagos, Nigeria. 👉 Submit your nomination: piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #DigitalAfrica #AfricaInnovates #ExcellenceInPrivacy

Africa's data protection and privacy champions deserve to be celebrated, and that is exactly what the PICCASO Awards Africa 2026 is here to do. From rising talents to outstanding Data Protection Authorities, from innovative projects to responsible AI leadership. There is a category for every individual, team, and organisation doing exceptional work across the continent. 10 categories. One stage. Your work deserves to be on it. 👉 Submit your nomination: piccasoawardsafrica.com/nomination-pro… #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #DigitalAfrica #AfricaInnovates #ExcellenceInPrivacy

A trusted digital future requires everyone at the table. •Regulators •Policymakers •Innovators •Civil Society •Academia •Development Partners Together, we are shaping Africa’s digital future. #ADRH #DPAS2026 #PICCASOAwards #PICCASOAwardsAfrica #PICCASOAfrica2026 #DataPrivacyAfrica #NominateNow #DigitalAfrica #AfricaInnovates #ExcellenceInPrivacy #nigeria #lagos

"Data privacy is a new career path, and Nigeria's data protection ecosystem is creating unprecedented opportunities." — Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner & CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) @ndpcngr Nigeria @ndpcngr has identified more than 500,000 data controllers and processors, each with obligations under the country's data protection law, including the appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO). Yet, there are currently fewer than 5,000 certified DPOs. That gap represents more than a compliance challenge; it highlights a growing demand for skilled data privacy professionals. As digital economies expand across Africa, data protection is becoming one of the continent's most promising career pathways. 🎧 Catch the full conversation between Dr. Vincent Olatunji and Ms. Teki Akuetteh, on YouTube and Spotify. Listen on Spotify: bit.ly/3QzmRGd Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/4bglz9R #ADRH #DRAPS5 #NIGERIA #DigitalRightsAfrica #DataProtection #Privacy #DataPrivacy #Cybersecurity #DigitalRights #Africa #Compliance #Trust