Burundi validates its first National Data Governance strategy

Background

The accelerating pace of digital transformation across Africa continues to present both tremendous opportunities and complex challenges, particularly in the area of data governance. While data is increasingly recognized as a strategic resource for innovation, economic growth, and public sector efficiency, most African countries face persistent gaps in policy coherence, institutional coordination, and data protection capacity. As a result, much of the continent’s data remains underutilized or processed abroad, limiting its potential to drive inclusive development and local value creation.

Continental instruments such as the African Union (AU) Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), the AU Data Policy Framework (AUDPF), and the Malabo Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection provide the foundation for harmonized and responsible data management across Africa. However, national domestication of these frameworks remains uneven. Many Member States are still in the process of developing comprehensive data governance strategies to guide the ethical use, protection, and monetization of data as a public good.

In response, the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division (TICID) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in partnership with GIZ-AU through the EU Delegation Fund, and in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and AUDA-NEPAD, is spearheading the Data Governance in Africa initiative. The project aims to strengthen Member States’ capacity to domesticate continental data policy frameworks and implement coherent, inclusive, and secure national data governance systems.

Through evidence-based diagnostics, stakeholder engagement, and technical assistance, ECA supports Member States in formulating robust frameworks that promote accountability, interoperability, and data-driven innovation ultimately contributing to Africa’s broader vision of an integrated digital economy.

Burundi

Burundi is among the key countries benefiting from the current phase of ECA’s Data Governance in Africa initiative, alongside Tanzania, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The country has demonstrated strong leadership in advancing its National Data Governance Strategy, which aligns with both the AU Data Policy Framework and Burundi’s Vision 2040–2060.

The strategy’s validation on 7 November 2025 marked a historic milestone for Burundi’s digital sovereignty and the culmination of a consultative process initiated earlier in the year. Supported by ECA’s technical expertise and implemented in collaboration with GIZ-AU, AUDA-NEPAD, and the European Union, the process involved broad-based participation from government institutions, private sector actors, academia, and civil society.

This comprehensive initiative in Burundi will include:

Stakeholder Engagement Workshop: 18 April 2025
A nationwide consultation that brought together public, private, and civil society actors to identify Burundi’s data governance priorities and challenges.
Capacity Building Workshop: 5 – 6 November 2025
A two-day session designed to strengthen institutional and technical capacities for implementing data governance frameworks and managing cross-sector data systems.
Validation Workshop: 7 November 2025
A high-level event presided over by H.E. Francine Inarukundo, Vice-Minister of Finance, Budget and Digital Economy, formally validating the National Data Governance Strategy of Burundi. The event consolidated commitments from key partners, including ECA, AUDA-NEPAD, GIZ, and the EU.

Next Steps

Establishment of a National Data Governance Committee to oversee implementation and ensure inter-institutional coordination.
Development of a National Action Plan (2026–2028) defining priority actions, roles, and resources.
Creation of a Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism supported by clear KPIs to track progress and accountability.
Mobilization of financing through the Global Gateway, African Digital Development Fund, and regional initiatives such as Smart Africa and EAC Digital Programs.

Event Outcomes

Official national validation of the Burundi National Data Governance Strategy.
Strengthened institutional coordination for data governance implementation.
Enhanced national capacity and awareness of data ethics, security, and interoperability.
Reinforced collaboration between national authorities and international partners to support Burundi’s digital transformation agenda.

Documents

Relevant Continental Frameworks