By: Van Soul Addey The President of Benin’s Personal Data Protection Authority (APDP), Luciano Hounkponou, has urged enhanced cooperation between regulatory authorities, regional harmonisation of standards and stronger protection of sensitive data to address cybersecurity risks in Africa’s expanding digital ecosystem.
Hounkponou made the call during the 15th edition of the One Africa Digital Forum, held in Cotonou, under the theme “Digital Africa in the Era of 5G: Dynamics and Transformational Impact”.
The discussions addressed challenges related to personal data protection, cybersecurity and digital innovation amid the growth of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
On digital sovereignty, Hounkponou highlighted the need to control digital infrastructure and determine where sensitive data is stored.
He advocated for national data centres and reduced dependence on offshore hosting infrastructure to better prevent data leaks and industrial espionage.