2 These factors also highlight that much of what drives the development of the local data economy has been outside of the control of African stakeholders, who have been largely ‘standard takers’ in global governance. They also underscore the need for collaboration and partnerships in many African data ecosystems, regardless of digital maturity and broader economic endowments. This policy framework, therefore, presents opportunities for countries to ensure that laws proactively enable access to data for developmental, innovative and competitive purposes. At the same time, it demonstrates the need for these to be in harmony with one another to create the scale and scope in the market necessary for data-driven value creation and innovation, which can catalyse the single digital market envisaged in the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy.