The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, was represented by the Head of Compliance Services Management at the Commission, Mrs Caroline Okafor, Esq., at the International Telecoms Week (ITW) and Datacloud Africa 2026, held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mrs Okafor participated in two high-level panel sessions focused on regulation, digital infrastructure and connectivity investment, with a strong focus on the intersection of data protection, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and investment in Africa’s growing digital economy.

At the Regulatory Roundtable, “Regulation That Builds: Aligning Policy and Digital Infrastructure Investment Priorities,” Mrs Okafor highlighted the need for governments to create an enabling environment for cross-border digital infrastructure and investment. She emphasised that effective regulation should build trust rather than create barriers to investment, noting the importance of a risk-based approach to data protection, Privacy by Design, as well as clear, transparent and predictable regulatory requirements that provide investors and infrastructure providers with certainty for long-term investments.

During the second panel session, Mrs Okafor underscored the importance of sector-specific guidelines, continuous sensitisation and public awareness in strengthening compliance and building trust across the digital ecosystem. It stressed that regulation should not “shut the door” on investment, but should provide clear pathways for businesses to innovate and invest responsibly while protecting the rights and privacy of data subjects.

Through its participation at ITW Africa 2026, the NDPC reinforced its commitment to trusted digital transformation, responsible investment and regulatory approaches that protect data subjects while supporting innovation, connectivity and sustainable growth across Africa.