The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has unveiled plans to introduce regulatory AI sandboxes aimed at advancing data protection and enabling cross-border technological innovation. This initiative, developed in partnership with private sector ICT stakeholders, was presented during a one-day event in Abuja titled “Co-Creation Lab on Africa Sandboxes for AI.”
As part of the workshop, participants examined the African Sandbox Outlook report, which explores the role of regulatory sandboxes as experimental environments for safely testing AI systems. These frameworks are intended to drive innovation in data technologies while ensuring privacy standards are upheld and legal compliance is maintained.
Speaking on behalf of Dr Vincent Olatunji, the NDPC’s National Commissioner, Ms Adaobi Nwankwo, Head of the Innovation Unit, emphasized the importance of adaptive regulation in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. According to Dr Olatunji, the sandboxes are designed to promote responsible AI usage, ensure compliance with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act (NDPA), and establish principles of trust, fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI applications. He added that these test environments must align with existing laws to ensure practical and credible implementation of AI tools.
National digital and AI strategies
Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), also voiced support for the initiative. Represented by Mr Babagana Digima, Deputy Director of New Media and Information Security, he highlighted the importance of regulatory sandboxes in shaping responsive and informed policies. He noted that sandboxes offer a secure space to trial AI innovations under regulatory oversight, facilitating collaborative learning and evidence-based regulation. The NCC intends to align these efforts with national digital and AI strategies.
Industry experts at the event also advocated for greater regulatory harmonization across African countries. Dr Jimson Olufuye, Principal Consultant at Kontemporary Konsulting, emphasized that uniform data protection rules across the region are essential for the success of AI technologies and data-driven businesses. He pointed out that regulatory inconsistency could hinder cross-border innovation and urged for governance structures that support interoperability.
Adding to the discussion, Ms Morine Amutorine, Africa Lead for the Datasphere Initiative, stated that regulatory sandboxes offer value to countries regardless of their regulatory maturity. She explained that these environments enable both societal and regulatory evaluations of AI systems, allowing for legal reforms where needed.
The African Sandbox Outlook report, presented at the workshop, underscored the increasing relevance of sandboxes in testing governance models for emerging technologies. The report concluded that such initiatives are key to unlocking innovation, addressing data challenges, and accelerating growth in Africa’s digital economy.