International Privacy Day 2026: Why Privacy Is Africa’s Democratic Imperative in the Age of Data, AI, and Surveillance
Posted: 28 January, 2026 Filed under: Hlengiwe Dube | Tags: Access to Information, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and sustainable development, data protection authorities, democratic governance, digital age, digital infrastructure, Digital Transformation Strategy For Africa, dignity, e-government systems, freedom of expression, Guidelines for Integrating Data Provisions into Protocols on Digital Trade, human dignity, international human rights framework, International Privacy Day, Malabo Convention, private life, public participation, The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa 1 Comment
Author: Hlengiwe Dube
Senior digital rights and policy expert
Each year, International Privacy Day invites reflection on the protection of personal data, particularly as the world becomes increasingly digitised. In Africa, this reflection takes on renewed and specific urgency. Governments, corporations, international agencies, and other actors are accelerating digital transformation, through biometric identity systems, AI-driven public services, fintech platforms, and expanding surveillance infrastructures, among other initiatives. Consequently, privacy is emerging as a technical concern and at the same time, a core democratic and human rights imperative.
Privacy underpins freedom of expression, access to information, public participation, human dignity, and other human rights. This understanding is firmly embedded in the African and international human rights framework. Although the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights does not explicitly reference privacy, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has consistently interpreted the Charter as protecting private life, dignity, and personal autonomy. In the digital age, these protections take on renewed and enhanced significance.
Harnessing Data for Human Rights and Sustainable Development: A Call to Action from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Posted: 23 January, 2025 Filed under: Hlengiwe Dube | Tags: abuse in data usage, accessible data, ACHPR, advancing human rights, Africa, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, data access, digital age, digital transformation, discrimination, economic growth, education, election processes, gender equality, governance, harnessing data access, health, human progress, poverty eradication, Privacy Concerns, privacy violations, Resolution ACHPR/Res.620 (LXXXI) 2024, sustainable development, The Africa We Want, unequal access to information, United Nations’ SDGs 1 CommentAuthor: Hlengiwe Dube
Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
In a world increasingly shaped by the digital revolution, data has become one of the most valuable resources for economic growth, governance, and human progress. From enhancing public service delivery to promoting political participation, the transformative potential of data is undeniable. However, the rapid advancements in technology also bring significant challenges, including privacy concerns, unequal access to information, and the potential for abuse in data usage. Considering these complexities, during its 81st Ordinary Session in November 2024, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), adopted Resolution ACHPR/Res.620 (LXXXI) 2024, which seeks to promote and harness data access as a tool for advancing human rights and sustainable development in Africa.
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