DESIGNED FOR WHOM?
Trust, Accountability, and the Citizen at the Centre of Data Governance
📅 Date: 16TH – 18TH MARCH 2026
Overview
The East Africa Data Governance Conference 2027 brings together government leaders, regulators, private sector actors, civil society organisations, researchers, journalists, innovators, youth, and citizens to explore one central question:
Data governance, designed for whom?
This year’s conference is a space for honest dialogue, practical learning, and collaborative problem-solving. Together, participants will examine how East Africa can move beyond policy commitments and build data governance systems that earn trust, strengthen accountability, and place citizens at the centre of decision-making.
Conference Tracks:
- Trust in the Digital Age
This track explores information integrity, public communication, transparency, and how organisations can strengthen trust through responsible data practices. - From Policy to Practice: Governing Data, Not Just Protecting It
Discussions will focus on compliance, governance frameworks, institutional capacity, regulatory effectiveness, data audits, and evidence-based approaches for making governance work in practice. - Regional and Cross-Border Data Governance
This track examines opportunities for regional cooperation, harmonised regulation, cross-border data flows, digital trade, and shared approaches to governance across East Africa. - Digital Transformation, Data Sovereignty, and Resource Justice
Discussions will explore data sovereignty, infrastructure governance, resource use, and the implications for communities hosting digital infrastructure. - Voice, Accountability, and Redress: The Politics of Being Heard
This track focuses on citizen participation, accountability mechanisms, grievance and redress systems, public consultation, and practical ways to make data rights accessible and enforceable. - Innovation, AI, and Emerging Technology
This track showcases innovations across AI, fintech, agritech, digital public infrastructure, and other emerging technologies while examining governance challenges, risks, and opportunities for responsible innovation.
Programme Structure
Over two days, participants will engage through a variety of interactive formats designed to foster learning, collaboration, and action:
Plenary Sessions: High-level discussions featuring policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and regional experts exploring urgent data governance challenges and opportunities.
Thematic Breakout Sessions: Interactive discussions, workshops, and case-study presentations organised around the six conference tracks.
Demonstration Labs: Practical showcases of tools, technologies, platforms, and governance approaches driving responsible innovation across Africa.
Roundtables: Small-group dialogues bringing together regulators, practitioners, researchers, civic actors, and innovators to develop actionable recommendations.
Public Dialogues: Open conversations that centre citizen experiences and ensure governance discussions remain grounded in lived realities.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Deadline: 11th December 2026, 5:00 PM EAT
Expected Outcomes
- A Regional Reflection Paper on data governance trends, gaps, and opportunities in East Africa.
- A Framework for Responsible Innovation, balancing technological progress with rights and accountability.
- A Network Charter enabling continued collaboration among regional actors.
- Policy and practice recommendations on data ownership, sovereignty, interoperability, ethics, and the economics of data.
- Strengthened partnerships across the ecosystem, driving East Africa’s digital transformation.