Data Sovereignty vs Investor Confidence: Can African Countries Achieve Both?

Kenya’s evolving data-protection framework, including the September 2026 guidance on cross-border data transfers, highlights a growing challenge for African economies: protecting local data while attracting technology investment. Clear rules governing international data transfers, security safeguards and contractual responsibilities can help businesses manage compliance risks. However, excessive uncertainty or unpredictable enforcement may complicate cross-border operations. The policy challenge is to build reliable regulatory frameworks that protect individuals and African data interests without unnecessarily obstructing innovation, regional trade or investment. Achieving this balance will be central to Africa’s digital economy.