3 2. MANDATE The central role of data requires a high-level and strategic policy perspective that is strongly rooted in the local context and can balance multiple policy objectives. National data strategies and internationally interoperable approaches can help unleash the economic and social potential of data while preventing harm and mitigating risks (OECD, 2019). This data policy framework derives from the Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS) adopted by the African Union in 2020 to transform African societies and economies in a manner which allows the continent and its member states to harness digital technologies for local innovation that will improve life opportunities, ameliorate poverty, reduce inequality facilitating the delivery of goods and services.1 Realisation of the objectives of the DTS is critical to the achievement of the African Union Agenda 2063, the pan-African strategic framework for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress, and collective prosperity, and of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Data Policy Framework builds on existing instruments and initiatives such as the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020-2030 (DTS), the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the Policy and Regulatory Initiative for Digital Africa (PRIDA), the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), Smart Africa Vision to Transform Africa into a Single Digital Market by 2030, the Free Movement of Persons (FMP), the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), The Single Electricity Market in Africa, the Interoperability framework on Digital ID, the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention), the Declaration on Internet Governance and Development of Africa’s Digital Economy of 2018, the Personal Data Protection Guidelines for Africa, regional model laws on data protection and cybersecurity and the African Union Charter on Human and People’s Rights. This Data Policy Framework sets out a common vision, principles, strategic priorities and key recommendations to guide African Union Member States in developing their national data systems and capabilities to effectively derive value from data that is being generated by citizens, government entities and industries. The potential of data-driven solutions to overcome most of Africa’s development challenges is made possible by the Member States adopting a common data policy underpinned by a coherent governance approach. Furthermore, the development of integrated data systems is critical to optimise information flows and productivity gains from digitalisation and datafication. This Data Policy Framework aims to strengthen and harmonise data governance frameworks in Africa and thereby create a shared data space and standards that regulate the intensifying production and use of data across the continent. This by creating a safe and trustworthy digital environment to boost the development of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy that fosters Intra-Africa Digital Trade in line with the ongoing regional economic integration initiatives under the AfCFTA. 1 The Executive Council at the Thirty Six Ordinary Session held on 6-7 February 2020 endorsed the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030), referenced in decision [EX.CL/Dec.1074 (XXXVI)], as the master plan that will guide the digital development Agenda of the continent, with Data as one of its cross-cutting theme and as a building block for the establishment of Africa digital economy and society. To enable the creation of Africa’s digital economy and society, the Executive Council in its decision [EX.CL/Dec.1074 (XXXVI)], tasked the AU Commission to lead and coordinate the development of a continental framework on data policy and its submission to the STC-CICT 4 in 2021 for consideration and endorsement.