Francophone West Africa Regional Data Governance Workshop
Description
In today's digital era, data underpins nearly every facet of innovation, public service delivery, and inclusive digital transformation. Across Francophone West Africa, governments are increasingly recognizing that data governance is not merely a technical concern - it is a foundational public policy issue essential for safeguarding rights, advancing equity, and unlocking the full potential of digital and AI technologies.
Theme: Francophone West Africa Regional Data Governance Workshop
Dates: 19-21 May 2026
Lieu: Dakar, Senegal
Many countries in the region are accelerating investments in digital public infrastructure, e-government services, digital identity systems, and data-driven development strategies. At the same time, they face shared challenges related to fragmented regulatory frameworks, cross-border data flows, capacity constraints, and the need to align national policies with regional and continental commitments, including those of ECOWAS, the African Union, and Smart Africa.
Senegal has emerged as a regional hub for digital policy dialogue and innovation, with a strong commitment to digital transformation, data protection, and the development of a trusted digital ecosystem. Through the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, Senegal has implemented reforms to strengthen digital governance and promote the digital economy as a driver of inclusive growth. Dakar's role as a convening space for regional policy coordination makes it a strategic location for advancing dialogue on data governance in Francophone West Africa.
Building on this momentum, UNESCO, Smart Africa, and the Government of Senegal propose this regional capacity-building workshop to support Francophone ECOWAS Member States in operationalizing coherent, interoperable, and rights-based data governance frameworks. The workshop aims to translate high-level commitments - such as those articulated in the African Union Data Policy Framework, the Smart Africa Data Governance Pathway, and UNESCO's Data Governance Toolkit: Navigating the Digital Age - into actionable national and regional strategies adapted to the realities of Francophone West Africa.

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