The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, was a Guest Speaker at the 2025 annual conference of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), Lagos State Chapter.

Dr Olatunji commended the ISACA team for the remarkable work they are doing and noted that the NDPC and ISACA have been partners since the inception of data protection in Nigeria. He delivered a presentation titled “AI Governance: Advancing Regulations, Ethics, and Risk Resilience in Africa’s Digital Economy,” where he discussed the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging regulatory trends across Africa, and the continent’s current gaps in AI readiness.

He also highlighted pathways for Africa to assume its rightful place by strengthening regulations, embedding ethical frameworks, and enhancing risk resilience. According to him, AI regulation in Africa remains a work in progress, characterised by a multi-tiered approach that includes national AI strategies and the application of existing data protection laws.

Dr Olatunji emphasised that responsible AI governance is essential for innovation, noting that transparent, accountable, and rights-respecting data practices are key to unlocking AI’s potential. He added that clear regulations, strong ethical standards, and robust risk-resilience measures will ensure AI supports rather than harms society. By working together, he said, Africa can build a trustworthy, human-centred AI ecosystem that drives growth and benefits its citizens.

The NDPC was also represented on the panel session themed, “Regulating AI for Africa’s Digital Future: Crafting Fit-For-Purpose Frameworks,” by the Head of Research and Development Department at the Commission, Dr Tolulope Pius-Fadipe. The panelists examined how AI regulations tailored for Africa, as well as data protection and privacy, will encourage ethical innovation and ensure inclusivity as Africa continues its growth in the global digital ecosystem.