The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in partnership with the private sector ICT firms, has concluded plans to explore the use of adaptive regulatory sandboxes that can support the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into data protection frameworks in the country.
The introduction of the Sandboxes will encourage responsible AI, foster compliance with the NDPA, and promote trust, fairness, accountability, and transparency.
“The goal is to create a competitive environment for AI developers and data scientists while addressing Africa’s unique challenges.”
National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, who disclosed this at a one-day workshop held in Abuja titled “Co-Creation Lab on Africa Sandboxes for AI”, said that the commission is examining the role of regulatory sandboxes as part of its mandate under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) local events.
Olatunji, who was represented by Ms. Adaobi Nwankwo, Head of the Commission’s Innovation Unit, Ms. Adaobi Nwankwo, noted that a functional regulatory sandbox would need to operate within real-time legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure effective testing of AI and data-driven solutions.
The workshop, which focused on how regulatory sandboxes could serve as safe testing environments for AI technologies and foster data-driven innovation on the continent, also featured the evaluation of the African Sandbox Outlook report.
Also speaking at the workshop, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, stated that while AI offers transformative opportunities for digital infrastructure, network optimization, and public service delivery, it also raises complex regulatory and ethical concerns.
Maida, who was represented by the Deputy Director of New Media and Information Security at NCC, Mr. Babagana Digima, highlighted the significance of regulatory sandboxes as tools for collaborative policy development:
He said, “Sandboxes provide a controlled environment for innovators to test AI under regulatory supervision.
This encourages collaborative learning, risk mitigation, and evidence-based policymaking. We’re aligning this with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Digital Economy Policy, and the Nigerian Data Protection Act.”
On his part, Principal Consultant at Kontemporary Konsulting, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, emphasised the need to optimise data protection processes and scale products across West Africa.
He noted that inconsistencies in data laws across African jurisdictions could hinder innovation if not addressed through collaborative regulation.
Olufuye equally called for greater regulatory harmonization across African nations to facilitate easier data flows and AI integration.
He said, “There’s a need for sandboxes that support cross-border interoperability and AI systems embedded with robust governance structures.”
Also speaking, the Africa Lead for the Datasphere Initiative, Ms. Morine Amutorine, emphasised that AI sandboxes can be implemented in countries regardless of their regulatory maturity.
According to her sandbox allows stakeholders to assess the impact of data-driven solutions and identify areas requiring new or updated regulation.
The African Sandbox Outlook report showed that sandboxes are increasingly being recognized as powerful tools for testing regulatory and technical approaches to AI and data governance.
