Privacy Symposium Africa

As we pause to contemplate the journey of the past year, we feel compelled to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated partners, exceptional team members, and the vibrant privacy community that has played a pivotal role in making 2024 an extraordinary year! Your steadfast support, collaborative spirit, and unwavering trust in our vision have been the foundation of our numerous accomplishments. This year has been a tapestry woven with the exciting #PSA2024, enlightening discussions, and significant milestones. Each achievement reflects the hard work and creativity of everyone involved. The relationships we've nurtured are invaluable to us, and we are sincerely thankful for the chance to collaborate with each of you in advancing the cause of privacy across the diverse landscapes of Africa. As we approach the festive season, our wishes extend to you and your loved ones for a holiday filled with joy, peace, and unforgettable moments spent together. May this special time offer you a well-deserved respite and an opportunity for reflection on the triumphs we have shared over the past year. Looking ahead to 2025, we are brimming with optimism and enthusiasm for the possibilities that lie ahead. We are eager to continue our journey of growth and innovation, and to join forces in realizing even greater achievements together. Wishing you all an incredibly Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year! Thank you for being an essential part of our story and for inspiring us every step of the way. #Season’sGreetings #PrivacyRights #HappyHolidays #Grateful #NewYear2025 #UnwantedWitness #PSA

In 2021, the Privacy Scorecard emerged as a transformative and essential tool in the realm of data protection compliance monitoring. Initially aimed at evaluating the practices of data collectors in Uganda, this innovative mechanism has rapidly evolved, transcending geographical boundaries and various legal jurisdictions, thereby making a substantial impact on a global scale. Each successive edition of the Privacy Scorecard has expanded its purview significantly:   - The inaugural edition concentrated solely on key data collection practices within Uganda, setting the groundwork for rigorous analysis.   - In the 2nd edition, the focus broadened to include Kenya, reflecting an understanding of the regional importance of data privacy.   - The 3rd edition further encompassed Mauritius and Zimbabwe, highlighting the urgency and relevance of data protection across diverse landscapes. With the launch of the 4th edition, we reach a significant milestone, as it now evaluates the data protection practices of six countries: Rwanda, Tanzania, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Uganda. This expanded framework not only showcases the Privacy Scorecard’s escalating influence but also emphasizes a commitment to fostering best practices in data protection. It empowers citizens to demand greater transparency and accountability from organizations regarding the collection and utilization of their personal data. The guiding principle behind this initiative is both straightforward and powerful: “𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐭.” This foundational tenet is crucial for ensuring that those who collect and process data adhere to ethical standards. It seeks to establish a climate of trust between consumers and data custodians, reinforcing the safeguarding of privacy rights across the globe. Let us collectively strive to instigate positive changes in the data protection terrain. By holding companies accountable for their practices, we can ensure that the personal data of individuals is respected and protected, contributing to a more secure future for everyone. #Privacy #DataProtection #Compliance #DataRights #GlobalImpact #PrivacyScorecard #Transparency #EthicalDataHandling #Trust

No trip to Zimbabwe would be complete without exploring the remarkable National Heroes Acre, a site that pays tribute to the nation’s heroes and its rich history! Recently, several of our distinguished guests and speakers from the #PSA2024 symposium had the chance to delve into the profound significance of this landmark. Nestled on a beautiful hillside, the site features striking monuments and elaborate sculptures that honor those who fought for Zimbabwe's independence. With sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, it offers a perfect backdrop for reflection and appreciation. We hope all attendees enjoyed this enriching experience—Zimbabwe truly is a captivating country with a wealth of culture and natural beauty waiting to be discovered! Lucianna Thuo|Amaka Ibeji, FIP, AIGP, CIPM, CISA, CISM, CISSP, DDN QTE|Lilian Mahiri-Zaja|Pille Lehis

As we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable success of #PSA2024, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all of our incredible partners,(MISA Zimbabwe,Accountability Lab Zimbabwe,Civil Rights Defenders,Ford Foundation,Privacy International,Open Society Foundations,William and Flora Hewlett Foundation,The Law Society of Zimbabwe). Your unwavering dedication, exceptional expertise, and collaborative spirit have been the driving forces behind the tremendous achievements of this event. Together, we have crafted something truly extraordinary, and we recognize that this accomplishment would not have been possible without your steadfast support and commitment throughout the process. It is both an honor and a privilege to work alongside such talented and passionate professionals who share our vision and goals. As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that await us. Here’s to embracing more moments of growth, collaboration, and shared success in the future!

Muvingi & Mugadza Legal Practitioners (Member of Alliott Global Alliance), thank you for your positive feedback. We are delighted to learn that you and your team derived significant lessons from #PSA2024. It was a privilege to have your participation as we examined essential topics, including 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐈 𝟏𝟓𝟓 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬. Your active involvement and engagement in these discussions were instrumental in ensuring the symposium's success. It is evident that as we navigate the future of data protection, our focus must extend beyond merely keeping pace with technological advancements; we must also ensure that privacy and ethical considerations are fundamentally integrated into every facet of digital innovation. We look forward to witnessing your team’s continued leadership in the dynamic realm of data protection. As we work together to define the future of privacy, it is encouraging to recognize that our collective efforts contribute to establishing a more secure, ethical, and transparent digital landscape. Once again, we express our gratitude for your participation in this significant discourse. We anticipate your ongoing contributions as we collaboratively navigate the evolving landscape of data protection. #PSA2024 #DataProtection #PrivacyMatters #AIRegulation #CrossBorderTransfers #DigitalInnovation

Tamanda Kamundi, we are deeply grateful for your profound reflections and for being a key part of #PSA2024! It was a pleasure to have you attend the 6th Privacy Symposium in Harare, Zimbabwe. We’re delighted that you found the sessions valuable, particularly on topics like "Privacy in the Age of Social Media: Are We Oversharing?" Discussions like these truly highlight the challenges we face in protecting our privacy in today’s digital world. We also appreciate your mention of the 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘢 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘪 and the role of MACRA in ensuring Data Subjects are informed about their rights. As you rightly pointed out, there is much more to be done to raise awareness and ensure that all stakeholders—Data Controllers, Processors, and Regulators—work together to protect privacy across the continent. Your enthusiasm for data privacy and protection is inspiring, and congratulations on your graduation from the POTRAZ and HIT DPO Certification Course—what an achievement! We look forward to your continued contributions and can’t wait to see you at the next symposium. Thank you once again for being part of this important conversation and for all you do to advance data privacy and protection in Africa. Let’s keep pushing boundaries and navigating the digital age responsibly. #PSA2024 #PrivacyMatters #DataProtection #DigitalDemocracy #DPO #CyberSecurity #DigitalRights #Africa

Melissa Chasi, thank you so much for your thoughtful reflections on #PSA2024! It was an absolute pleasure to have you on the panel alongside Tinotenda Chishiri, Farisai Chaniwa, and other experts, expertly moderated by Upenyu Makoni-Muchemwa. Your contribution to the discussion on “𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢’𝘴 𝘋𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘺” was incredibly valuable and highlighted critical aspects of how we manage voter data in the digital age. Your insights on how African countries can learn from the Council of Europe, along with your emphasis on ensuring lawful and transparent data practices in political campaigns, were spot on. As you mentioned, it is vital that Data Protection Authorities continue to support electoral bodies in creating and maintaining ethical data management systems, which are crucial for building voter trust and protecting their rights. We are grateful for your participation and for bringing such an important perspective to the table. The conversation we began at #PSA2024 will undoubtedly inspire continued progress toward more grounded and ethical data protection frameworks in Africa’s digital democracies. We look forward to the future of these discussions and to collaborating again! Thank you for being part of this landmark event!  #PSA2024 #DigitalDemocracy #DataProtection #VoterRights #ElectionData #PrivacyMatters #Africa #PublicTrust

John Kauta, you are a vital part of the incredible #PSA2024 team, and it is because of people like you that we had such a successful Symposium in Harare. From start to finish, you were not only a reliable teammate but also a source of creative ideas and energy. Your commitment to excellence and your ability to tackle challenges with grace truly made a difference. The #PSA2024 team is extremely grateful for your support, and we look forward to working on future projects. Your professionalism and passion for the cause were evident in everything you did, and it was inspiring to witness your dedication firsthand. #Teamwork #Appreciation 

Thank you Nkosikhona Polo Sibanda for partnering with us and playing a key role in making #PSA2024 such a success. Your involvement and contributions helped steer the event towards meaningful discussions and made it memorable. A key takeaway from our discussions was the powerful sentiment shared: “𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the importance of developing tailored solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities of the African continent. As we work to bridge policies, technology, and societal dynamics, we believe that these discussions will foster ongoing progress in data privacy and protection. Together, we aim to create lasting and meaningful solutions for Africa. We look forward to continuing this journey with you and seeing the positive outcomes of our collective efforts. #DataPrivacy #TechForAfrica #AfricanSolutions #PrivacyMatters #PSA2024 #DataProtection