Conakry, Guinea, 19 June 2026 (ECA) – The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy and Innovation (MCENI) of the Republic of Guinea and with the support of GIZ through the Data Governance in Africa Initiative, has successfully concluded a series of national engagements aimed at developing Guinea's National Data Governance Strategy.
Held from 16 to 19 June 2026 in Conakry, this initiative brought together stakeholders from government institutions, regulatory authorities, academia, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development partners to strengthen national capacities and foster a shared vision for data governance in Guinea.
The process began with a Country Assessment Mission (16–17 June), during which consultations were held with 27 institutions to evaluate Guinea's legal, institutional, and technical data governance landscape. This assessment identified key opportunities and challenges related to digital trust, interoperability, cybersecurity, institutional coordination, and data-driven innovation, which informed subsequent discussions.
On 18 June, a Capacity Building Workshop convened 48 participants to enhance their knowledge and skills in key areas of data governance, including the African Union Data Policy Framework, data protection, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, interoperability, artificial intelligence, and the public value of data.
The final day featured a Stakeholder Engagement Workshop that brought together 53 participants to review preliminary findings, establish national priorities, and collaboratively create strategic directions for a cohesive, inclusive, and forward-looking National Data Governance Strategy for Guinea.
As part of the broader partnership between ECA and Google, participants were introduced to the Government AI Campus, a free learning platform aimed at equipping public officials with essential Artificial Intelligence skills. Participants also conducted an AI Readiness Assessment to identify institutional strengths, capacity gaps, and priority areas for the responsible adoption of AI within the public sector.
The Stakeholder Engagement Workshop was opened by representatives from national, continental, and international institutions, including the African Union Commission, the European Union, the Embassy of Germany, the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office, AUDA-NEPAD, ECA, and the Government of Guinea, represented by His Excellency Mourana Soumah, Minister of Communication, Digital Economy and Innovation.
During the opening ceremony, Minister Mourana Soumah reaffirmed Guinea's commitment to leveraging data as a strategic asset to accelerate digital transformation, enhance public sector performance, and foster innovation and evidence-based decision-making.
Representing ECA, Mr. Afework Temtime underscored the importance of inclusive and collaborative approaches to data governance, highlighting that effective governance frameworks are critical for unlocking the developmental value of data while safeguarding citizens' trust and rights.
Participants reiterated their commitment to assisting the Government of Guinea in the development and implementation of a National Data Governance Strategy that promotes the secure, inclusive, and effective use of data to drive innovation, enhance public service delivery, and advance sustainable socio-economic development.
This initiative represents a significant step in Guinea's efforts to establish a trusted, resilient, and data-driven digital ecosystem in line with the African Union Data Policy Framework and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030).
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org