Privacy Symposium Africa Returns for Its 8th Edition, Launching a Continental Conversation on Money, Data and Digital Power
Accra, Ghana | 6 July 2026. Unwanted Witness, in partnership with the Data Protection Commission of Ghana, the Hewlett Foundation, and the Media Foundation for West Africa, today launches the 8th Privacy Symposium Africa.
The launch unveils this year’s theme, “Money. Data. Control.”, and invites policymakers, regulators, civil society organisations, technology companies, academia, journalists, and privacy professionals to join a continental dialogue on the future of Africa’s data economy.
The 8th Privacy Symposium Africa will be held from 25th –26th November 2026 at the Alisa Hotel, Accra, Ghana.
As Africa’s digital economy continues to expand through mobile money, digital identity systems, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and platform-based services, personal data has become one of the continent’s most valuable economic assets. Yet questions around ownership, governance, accountability, and the equitable distribution of value remain unresolved.
Against this backdrop, the symposium’s theme, “Money. Data. Control”, will examine the intersection of economic value, data governance, and digital power, creating space for critical conversations on how Africa can harness innovation while safeguarding privacy, protecting fundamental rights, and strengthening public trust.
Over two days, the symposium will convene policymakers, data protection authorities, regulators, technology companies, financial institutions, civil society organisations, academia, journalists, and development partners from across Africa and beyond to exchange ideas, share experiences, and develop practical solutions to emerging data governance challenges.
Marking the launch of the symposium, Ms. Dorothy Mukasa, Executive Director of Unwanted Witness, notes: “Africa’s digital transformation presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation and economic growth, but it also demands stronger governance of one of our most valuable resources: Personal data. Privacy Symposium Africa continues to provide a trusted
Platform where diverse stakeholders come together to shape policies and partnerships that place people, rights, and accountability at the center of Africa’s digital future.”
Welcoming this year’s symposium, Arnold E. Kavaarpuo the Data Protection Commission of Ghana remarked: “Hosting the 8th Privacy Symposium Africa presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration among regulators, policymakers, industry, and civil society. As data increasingly drives economic growth and innovation, we must work together to build trusted governance frameworks that protect individuals while enabling responsible digital development across Africa.”
Highlighting the importance of regional collaboration, Mr. Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of Media Foundation for West Africa, added: “As digital technologies continue to transform societies, safeguarding privacy and promoting accountability must remain central to Africa’s digital agenda. Building a trusted and inclusive digital ecosystem requires sustained collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and citizens. Privacy Symposium Africa provides an important platform for strengthening dialogue, enhancing public awareness, and advancing rights-based approaches to data governance across the continent.”
The symposium will feature keynote addresses, high-level panel discussions, policy dialogues, insight labs, and networking sessions exploring issues including digital finance, artificial intelligence, platform accountability, cross-border data governance, regulatory cooperation, and the political economy of data.
Now in its 8th edition, Privacy Symposium Africa has established itself as the continent’s leading platform for advancing dialogue, collaboration, and action on privacy, data protection, and digital rights. The 2026 edition seeks to deepen partnerships, strengthen policy engagement, and foster practical solutions that contribute to a trusted, inclusive, and rights-respecting digital ecosystem across Africa.
About Unwanted Witness.
Unwanted Witness is a Ugandan civil society organisation dedicated to protecting digital rights and online freedoms. It promotes the right to privacy, data protection, freedom of expression, and
digital inclusion through research, advocacy, capacity building, and public awareness. Unwanted Witness collaborates with governments, civil society, the private sector, and development
partners to advance policies and practices that support a safe, secure, and rights-respecting digital environment in Uganda and across Africa.
About the Data Protection Commission of Ghana
The Data Protection Commission of Ghana is the independent public body established under the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) to protect the privacy of individuals and personal data. The Commission regulates the processing of personal information, promotes compliance with data protection laws, raises public awareness, and supports the development of a trusted digital environment in Ghana.
About the Media Foundation for West Africa
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is a regional independent non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting freedom of expression, media development, digital rights, and good governance across West Africa. Through research, advocacy, capacity building, and policy engagement, the Foundation works to strengthen independent journalism, protect civic space, and advance human rights in the digital age.
The 8th Privacy Symposium Africa is convened by Unwanted Witness in partnership with the Data Protection Commission of Ghana, the Hewlett Foundation, and the Media Foundation for West Africa.
Contact Us
Unwanted Witness
Email: info@unwantedwitness.org
Data Protection Commission of Ghana
Email: info@dataprotection.org.gh
Media Foundation for West Africa
Email: info@mfwa.org