Brenda Nglazi Zulu

The African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, adopted by the AU Assembly in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on 27 June 2014, provides a continental legal framework for building a secure, trusted and rights-respecting digital environment in Africa. Commonly known as the Malabo Convention, it seeks to harmonise national approaches to cybersecurity, cybercrime and personal-data protection, while facilitating the development of the digital economy and electronic transactions. The Convention requires States Parties to establish appropriate legal, institutional and regulatory frameworks for cybersecurity, including national policies, mechanisms to prevent and respond to cyber threats, and cooperation among relevant authorities. It also establishes principles for personal-data protection, requiring lawful, fair and transparent processing of personal information, respect for individuals’ rights, appropriate security safeguards, and the establishment of independent or suitably empowered data-protection authorities. In relation to electronic transactions, it promotes legal recognition of electronic communications, contracts and signatures and seeks to create confidence in digital commerce. The Convention further addresses cybercrime, encouraging Member States to criminalise relevant offences, strengthen investigative and procedural measures, and cooperate in combating cybercrime across borders while respecting fundamental rights and international law. Overall, the Convention provides a common continental framework to strengthen digital trust, cybersecurity, privacy, electronic commerce and cross-border cooperation, supporting Africa’s digital transformation and the objectives of Agenda 2063. It was adopted on 27 June 2014 and subsequently entered into force after the required ratifications; the AU maintains an official status list of signatures and ratifications. Read more about the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection at: au.int/en/treaties/african-u… #DigitalTransformation #DigitalAfrica #STCCICT #Agenda2063