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”.
Representing the APDP, he
spoke on a panel dedicated to “Cyber-resilience in the 5G era: securing the
continent’s vital infrastructure”, alongside Titi Fakuade, Keyser Tabi, Ouanilo
Medegan Fagla and Hosni Dubu, under the moderation of Deloitte.
The discussions addressed
challenges related to personal data protection, cybersecurity and digital
innovation amid the growth of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Hounkponou argued that a
“silo” approach to regulation cannot effectively address digital risks that
transcend sectors. He cited the complementarity between the APDP, the National
Information Systems Security Agency (CNIN) and the Electronic Communications
and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP Benin) as an essential lever for
integrated digital governance.
He also stressed the
importance of regional cooperation and harmonisation of standards to strengthen
digital trust across Africa.
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.
Beyond security, he called
for regulation that supports innovation rather than focusing solely on
sanctions. He highlighted regulatory experimentation mechanisms for start-ups,
alongside efforts to strengthen public awareness by explaining digital rights
in national languages and producing guides tailored to different sectors.
Through his intervention,
Hounkponou promoted a vision of an African digital ecosystem that is secure,
sovereign and conducive to innovation, with personal data protection serving as
a pillar of trust and sustainable digital development.
