The rise of technological developments has brought with it increased, and new forms of, risk. In today’s digital world, we are creating more data year on year. Data storage, ease of communications (including the use of email and chat), along with the ubiquity of photo and video sharing means that data volumes are increasing exponentially. New technologies pose new challenges and require new regulatory solutions. This backdrop makes it harder for businesses to monitor existing risks.

Over the last several years Africa has been, and continues to be, touted as having multiple opportunities for the expansion of broadband and digital services. This, and the nature of the region geographically, has presented many opportunities for novel technologies to be used for the rollout of broadband to support digital services such as fixed wireless and satellite.

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is an agreement among African Union (AU) Member States who have signed and ratified the agreement, to create a single liberalized African market. The combined African market (GDP) of the 55 Member States is valued at USD3.4 trillion with a population of 1.3 billion people, the majority of which are youths and women.

Whether drafting legal documents, litigating, or managing a law firm, legal professionals are expected to predict, with a relatively high degree of certainty, the possible consequences of every step they take and every word they communicate. Then, having considered all the possible consequences, they must decide on the best course of action. Any such decision typically involves having several alternatives, comparing them and evaluating their outcomes.

Many African countries are still grappling with the impact of the lockdown initiatives caused by COVID-19.1 Adapting to the health and safety protocols across Africa has meant a significant increase in the sheer volume of data being processed, particularly in the health and education sectors.

Open banking is a system where banks allow or authorize third parties, such as financial technology or fintech companies, to access their clients’ financial data to build applications or services. Anchored on providing better customer experiences, open banking has stirred a lot of interest in Africa, including banking apps with detailed analytics of finances, the ability to send money from one bank to another using mobile phones, or the ability to transfer money from one telecoms network to another.

The fintech industry is popular for its dynamic approach to delivery and relies on technological advances. Innovations such as blockchain, mobile payments and savings, peer-to-peer lending platforms, crowdfunding and similar internet-based solutions have radically transformed the financial services landscape in Nigeria, challenging its traditional business models and regulatory infrastructure. However, beyond the noteworthy advancements in this sector, a key concern is giving the country’s growing population access to these innovative solutions.

Digital transformation is a driving force for innovative, inclusive and sustainable growth. The digital economy encompasses the economic and social activities that are boosted by platforms such as mobile and sensor networks, including e-commerce. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents an opportunity to boost growth, reduce poverty and expand economic inclusion in Africa.

The coming into effect and promulgation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has ushered in a new and exciting era for the continent. AfCFTA aims to enhance intra-African trade by providing a complete and mutually beneficial trade agreement among Member States. It covers goods and services, investment, intellectual property rights and competition policy. On December 5, 2020, the African Union Assembly approved the start of trading under AfCFTA as of January 1, 2021.