PROCLAMATION No. …/2021
PROCLAMATION TO PROVIDE FOR PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION
WHEREAS, since to date there is no special law in Ethiopia which governs the rights of
individuals on their personal data and the absence of a personal data protection institution has
negatively affected the creation of a strong personal data protection system;
WHEREAS, there is a need to establish a personal data protection system in Ethiopia which
respects international standards and allows us to maximize the benefits of cross-border transfer
of personal data from Ethiopia to outside the country and vice versa;
WHEREAS, there is a need to secure in Ethiopia for every individual, whatever his nationality
or residence, respect for his rights and fundamental freedoms, and in particular his right to
privacy, with regard to automatic processing of personal data relating to him;
WHEREAS, a personal data protection law is of paramount importance for building an effective
digital economy which defines the rights and duties of stakeholders, governs related issues and
introduces a system which ensures a strong culture of personal data protection;
NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 55(1) of the Constitution of the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is hereby proclaimed as follows:
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL
1.
Short Title
This Proclamation may be cited as the Personal Data Protection Proclamation No. …/2021.
2.
Definition
In this Proclamation, unless the context requires otherwise,:
(1) “accessible record” means a health record, an education record, or any other accessible
public record;
(2) “authorized entity” means a Federal or Regional public body which is delegated by the
Commission to perform the powers and functions entrusted to the later by this
Proclamation;
(3) “biometric data” means facial images, fingerprints, iris scans, or any other similar
personal data resulting from specific technical processing relating to the physical,
physiological or behavioural characteristics of a natural person, which allow or confirm
the unique identification of that natural person;
1