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Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) validates regional data governance framework to advance digital integration in Central Africa

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) Regional Data Governance Framework was validated at a workshop held on 19–20 October 2026 in Brazzaville. Organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with ECCAS, the workshop marked a step towards stronger data governance and digital integration in Central Africa.

The workshop brought together 30 representatives from ECCAS Member States and technical and development partners to review and validate the Framework, which aims to strengthen data governance, enable secure cross-border data flows and advance regional digital integration.

The validation follows regional assessments, technical discussions and stakeholder consultations, including the Regional Stakeholder Engagement Workshop held in Douala, Cameroon, from 31 August to 4 September 2026. In Brazzaville, Member States reviewed the proposed Framework, agreed on common priorities and strengthened cooperation on data governance.

The Framework addresses fragmented national data governance systems, limited interoperability, differing regulatory approaches and barriers to secure cross-border data sharing. It seeks to harmonize regional approaches to support digital sovereignty, innovation, economic development and integration.

The Framework is structured around six strategic pillars: the legal and regulatory framework; institutional governance; common infrastructure and interoperability standards; cross-border data flows; financing, cooperation and capacity building; and the economic value of data and youth digital entrepreneurship. The Framework outlines practical regional initiatives—secure information exchange between public institutions, digital public services and digitized certificates of origin—to facilitate trade and economic integration among ECCAS Member States.

Mr. Mr. Guichard Tsangou, Director of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy at ECCAS, stressed the importance of regional cooperation and progress since the Douala consultations. "The Douala workshop provided the momentum and the methodology; the Brazzaville workshop must deliver consensus and technical finalization," said Mr. Tsangou. He said the Framework would help Member States move from fragmented national approaches to common rules, secure data exchanges and a more integrated regional digital market.

Representing ECA, Dr. Mactar Seck called for concrete action to deliver measurable benefits for the people of Central Africa. "The validation of this Regional Framework does not mark the end of a process, but the beginning of a new phase. It commits us to translating our shared vision into operational institutions, secure data exchanges, strategic investments and concrete opportunities for the people of Central Africa," said Dr. Seck. He stressed that implementation would require clear institutional responsibilities, strong national ownership, sustainable financing, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Ms. Christelle Onana, Head of Digitalisation at AUDA-NEPAD, stressed that the Framework should align with the African Union Data Policy Framework and reflect Member States' institutional, regulatory and operational realities. "This meeting is an opportunity for collective responsibility. It calls on each delegation to view the document not simply as a collection of technical provisions, but as a strategic regional agreement designed to strengthen trust, digital sovereignty, innovation and integration in Central Africa," said Ms. Onana.

Mr. Olaf Handloegten, representing German development cooperation (GIZ), called for stronger data protection, harmonized governance policies and trusted cross-border data flows. "For GIZ and Germany, the validation of the ECCAS Regional Data Governance Framework is an important milestone in supporting ECCAS to protect citizens' privacy while promoting data harmonization and the free flow of data within the subregion," said Mr. Handloegten. He reaffirmed GIZ's commitment to helping ECCAS and its Member States develop an inclusive, secure and sustainable data economy.

A three-phase roadmap sets out implementation over 36 months: establishing institutional and regulatory foundations in the first six months; operationalizing regional mechanisms from months six to twenty-four; and consolidating achievements from months twenty-four to thirty-six.

Participants reviewed the Framework and roadmap, focusing on institutional coordination, regulatory harmonization, interoperability, secure cross-border data exchange, capacity building and data-driven innovation.

The validation of the ECCAS Regional Data Governance Framework marks a significant step towards a secure, trusted and interoperable regional data ecosystem. Implementation will strengthen cooperation, facilitate cross-border data flows, encourage digital entrepreneurship and create opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic development in Central Africa.

In closing, as a representative of Equatorial Guinea, which currently chairs the rotating ECCAS presidency, Mr Celedonio NGUEMA ANGONO, Director General of Telecommunications, reiterated the importance of advancing data governance at the regional level and of drawing on each country’s unique experience in implementing this new regional data governance framework.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

  1. SaaSCanon strengthens African representation in its Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Ambassador Programme with three new creative voicesCompanies: Canon Inc.Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is celebrating the addition of three outstanding creative talents with strong connections to Africa – Hamoudi Laggoune, Hans Ngoteya and Nora Awolowo – to the Canon EMEA Ambassador Programme, further strengthening the continent’s representation within Canon’s international community of leading photographers, filmmakers and visual storytellers. Their appointment forms part of Canon’s announcement of 25 new Ambassadors joining the EMEA programme in 2026, bringing together creative voices from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Established in 2008, the Canon EMEA Ambassador Programme has grown into one of the imaging industry’s most influential initiatives. It connects accomplished photographers and filmmakers with Canon and the wider creative community, providing a platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, mentor emerging talent and contribute to the evolution of visual storytelling. The three new additions reflect the breadth of creative talent emerging from and connected to Africa, spanning cinematography, filmmaking, wildlife and conservation storytelling. Hamoudi Laggoune is a Franco-Algerian cinematographer and visual storyteller with more than two decades of experience in film and image-making. Based between Europe and North Africa, his work explores evolving approaches to cinematography, including Cinema EOS, virtual production, underwater filmmaking and large-format imaging. Hans Ngoteya, from Tanzania, is a wildlife filmmaker and conservation storyteller committed to using visual storytelling to create greater awareness of the natural world. As co-founder of Ngoteya Wild, he has directed award-winning documentaries highlighting nature and conservation and was recognised with the Jackson Wild Rising Star Award in 2023. Nora Awolowo is an award-winning Nigerian cinematographer, filmmaker, photographer and visual storyteller whose work spans documentary, feature film and visual storytelling. Her portfolio includes directing the FIFA original documentary Nigeria: The Debut and serving as cinematographer and producer on the feature film Red Circle. Most recently, Nora produced Black Market through Rixel Studios, which made history in September 2026 by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a film screening, drawing more than 51,000 qualifying viewers to its premiere at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos. The milestone adds to a growing body of work that has earned her recognition both within Nigeria and internationally. The three creatives join an established community that already includes accomplished African Canon Ambassadors such as Aïda Muluneh and Seibou Traoré, reinforcing a growing network of creative professionals bringing distinctive African perspectives, experiences and storytelling traditions to the wider EMEA programme. Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central & North Africa, said: “This programme is much more than recognition of individual achievement. It creates opportunities for knowledge to be shared, for emerging creators to learn from established professionals and for African perspectives to become an increasingly visible part of the wider EMEA creative conversation. We congratulate Hamoudi, Hans and Nora on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing the experiences, ideas and inspiration they bring to the Ambassador community.” Canon Ambassadors are selected through a rigorous multi-stage process. Candidates are nominated by Canon offices across EMEA before being assessed by an independent panel of 16 experts from the photography and filmmaking industry. The panel considers the strength and impact of each candidate’s work, creative voice, values, innovation and contribution to the wider imaging community before making its final recommendations. Through the programme, Ambassadors collaborate with Canon across educational initiatives, workshops, events and knowledge-sharing opportunities, helping inspire and support photographers and filmmakers at different stages of their creative journeys. The addition of Laggoune, Ngoteya and Awolowo brings further geographic and creative diversity to this established EMEA platform while providing audiences across Central and North Africa with more locally and regionally relevant creative voices to learn from and engage with. For more information and the full list of Canon EMEA Ambassadors, visit the Canon EMEA Ambassador Programme Hub. https://apo-opa.co/4seXBDg Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA). Media enquiries, please contact: Jayashir Namdar [email protected] APO Group – PR Agency [email protected] About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4i5VxJ7) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. For more information: Canon-CNA.com
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  3. Aerospace & defenseKenya Defence Forces (KDF) Strengthens Personnel Welfare to Boost Morale and Operational ReadinessPersonnel welfare is a critical pillar of military effectiveness, directly influencing morale, resilience and operational readiness. Recognising that a mission-ready force depends on the well-being of its personnel and their families, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) continues to strengthen welfare support systems through accessible, efficient and responsive services. In a significant step towards enhancing welfare service delivery, KDF launched a Claims Management System and inaugurated a Regional Welfare Centre Office at Gilgil Garrison, aimed at streamlining compensation claims, improving administrative efficiency and bringing essential services closer to personnel and their families. The event was attended by Gilgil Garrison Commander, Brigadier Edward Nyamao, and Chief of Compensation and Welfare at Defence Headquarters, Brigadier Rodah Mwasigwa, alongside senior officers, officers and service personnel. Speaking during the launch, Brigadier Nyamao emphasised the importance of identifying and training designated welfare personnel within units to ensure effective implementation of the new system. He urged commanders and administrators to uphold confidentiality, accountability and timely resolution of welfare concerns. Brigadier Mwasigwa underscored the strategic importance of personnel welfare in sustaining morale, strengthening operational effectiveness and enhancing force readiness. She noted that decentralising welfare services would improve accessibility, reduce delays in compensation claims and provide timely support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. The event also featured a welfare sensitisation session, providing personnel with information on available services and an opportunity to engage directly with welfare representatives on procedures for accessing support. The newly established office will serve personnel within Western Command, strengthening communication, records management and claims processing while ensuring more responsive welfare administration. The initiative forms part of a broader KDF programme to establish welfare offices across 23 regions, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to personnel-centred service delivery. By investing in the welfare and dignity of its personnel, veterans and families, KDF is strengthening the human foundation of military effectiveness, fostering a motivated, resilient and mission-ready force capable of safeguarding national security. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence - Kenya.
  4. SportsFadi El Abdallah rejoint APO Group pour diriger la communication de crise en AfriqueLa vidéo ci-dessous est libre de droits et peut être utilisée à volonté, sans demander d'autorisation Voir la vidéo APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), le cabinet de conseil en communication taillé pour la performance et l'excellence à travers toute l'Afrique, annonce aujourd'hui la nomination de l'ancien Porte-parole et Responsable des Affaires Publiques de la Cour Pénale Internationale, Fadi El Abdallah, en tant que conseiller stratégique en chef, réputation et communications de crise, ainsi que le lancement de la nouvelle Division Réputation Stratégique et Communications de Crise d'APO Group. La division aide les sociétés multinationales, les établissements financiers, les gouvernements africains et les entités souveraines, les entreprises panafricaines et les organisations des secteurs à la croissance la plus rapide du continent à se préparer, à gérer et à récupérer après des crises réputationnelles à enjeux élevés. Ses services couvrent la réponse rapide aux crises, le conseil exécutif, la préparation aux crises, le rétablissement de la réputation et les informations continues en cas de crise. Lisez le communiqué de presse complet ici : https://apo-opa.co/4soSJf6 Les médias peuvent télécharger des images, des extraits audios, et des vidéos libres de droits et les utiliser librement sans autorisation : https://apo-opa.co/4BkeW1S. Distribué par APO Group pour APO Group. Pour les demandes de renseignements des médias et les demandes d’entretien avec Fadi El Abdallah, veuillez contacter [email protected]. À propos d’APO Group : Reconnu à l’international pour son excellence en matière de communication, notamment avec les distinctions SABRE, Davos Communications et World Business Outlook, APO Group s'associe à des organisations mondiales et africaines pour lesquelles le continent représente une priorité stratégique. Parmi ses clients figurent le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), Africa CDC, Afreximbank, NFL, Nestlé, Emirates, Canon, Western Union, et GITEX Global.
  5. MediaFadi El Abdallah Joins APO Group to Lead Strategic Reputation and Crisis CommunicationsThe video below is copyright free and can be used at will, without asking for authorization Watch the video APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the communications consultancy built for performance across Africa, today announced the appointment of former International Criminal Court Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Fadi El Abdallah as Chief Strategic Advisor, Reputation and Crisis Communications, and the launch of APO Group's new Strategic Reputation & Crisis Communications division. The division helps multinational corporations, financial institutions, African governments and sovereign entities, pan-African corporates, and organisations across the continent's fastest-growing sectors prepare for, manage, and recover from high-stakes reputational crises. Its services span crisis rapid response, executive counsel, crisis readiness, reputation recovery, and continuous crisis intelligence. Read the full press release: https://apo-opa.co/4zBrJLu Copyright-free video B-roll, images and soundbites are available for the media to download and use freely without requiring authorisation: https://apo-opa.co/4seyY9I. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. For media enquiries and interview requests with Fadi El Abdallah, contact [email protected]. About APO Group: Recognised internationally for communications excellence, including SABRE, Davos Communications, and World Business Outlook distinctions, APO Group partners with global and African organisations for whom the continent is a strategic priority. Clients include the African Development Bank Group, Africa CDC, Afreximbank, NFL, Nestlé, Emirates, Canon, Western Union and GITEX Global.
  6. MediaVideo News Release: Fadi El Abdallah Joins APO Group to Lead Strategic Reputation and Crisis CommunicationsThe video below is copyright free and can be used at will, without asking for authorization Watch the video APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the communications consultancy built for performance across Africa, today announced the appointment of former International Criminal Court Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Fadi El Abdallah as Chief Strategic Advisor, Reputation and Crisis Communications, and the launch of APO Group's new Strategic Reputation & Crisis Communications division. The division helps multinational corporations, financial institutions, African governments and sovereign entities, pan-African corporates, and organisations across the continent's fastest-growing sectors prepare for, manage, and recover from high-stakes reputational crises. Its services span crisis rapid response, executive counsel, crisis readiness, reputation recovery, and continuous crisis intelligence. Read the full press release: https://apo-opa.co/4zBrJLu Copyright-free video B-roll, images and soundbites are available for the media to download and use freely without requiring authorisation: https://apo-opa.co/4seyY9I. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. For media enquiries and interview requests with Fadi El Abdallah, contact [email protected]. About APO Group: Recognised internationally for communications excellence, including SABRE, Davos Communications, and World Business Outlook distinctions, APO Group partners with global and African organisations for whom the continent is a strategic priority. Clients include the African Development Bank Group, Africa CDC, Afreximbank, NFL, Nestlé, Emirates, Canon, Western Union and GITEX Global.