African nations advance digital diplomacy and data governance

Chad is accelerating its transition toward digital diplomacy. Under the leadership of Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, the country is implementing reforms to integrate digital tools into its diplomatic actions. Ibrahim Adam Mahamat, spokesperson for the ministry, distinguishes between digital diplomacy—using social media and information technology to defend state interests—and e-diplomacy, which involves integrating digital processes into the entirety of diplomatic work. The ministry is currently focusing on four priorities: infrastructure modernization, skill reinforcement, digital communication, and data security.

In Senegal, the Commission de protection des données personnelles (CDP) is hosting a workshop in Dakar focused on data governance. CDP President Ousmane Thiongane emphasized that a sustainable digital economy requires trust, particularly regarding personal data protection. Supported by the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and German cooperation, the workshop brings together francophone African authorities to discuss how to balance innovation, such as artificial intelligence, with the protection of citizens' rights and the regulation of cross-border data transfers.