Amaka Ibeji, a Technology Expert, on Saturday highlighted the urgent need to address Africa’s digital trust deficit.
Ibeji, who is also the Founder, PALS Hub, a digital trust and assurance company, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to her, Africa’s digital transformation journey is being threatened by a significant gap in digital trust, which can undermine the continent’s progress and global competitiveness.
Ibeji noted that digital trust was no longer optional, but a strategic advantage that would build confidence among customers, investors, and global partners.
Digital trust is the confidence users have in the ability of people, technology and processes to create a secure digital world.
Digital trust is given to companies who have shown their users they can provide safety, privacy, security, reliability, and data ethics with their online programmes or devices.
“Africa has the talent and creativity to lead in the digital age.
“What we need now is a collective commitment to building trust and empowering every African to participate in this transformation responsibly,” she said.
Ibeji emphasised that African organisations must prioritise digital trust, focusing on corporate leadership, localised solutions, and empowering professionals to drive compliance and innovation.
She explained that corporate leadership must prioritise digital trust, making it a strategic focus rather than an operational afterthought.
“Boards of directors must lead the charge on digital trust. This involves ongoing education, aligning trust initiatives with business goals.
“It also involves integrating diverse expertise, including technology specialists, into governance structures,” Ibeji said.
She stressed the importance of localised solutions, noting that while global best practices offered a starting point, African organisations needed frameworks tailored to the continent’s unique challenges.
She cited two unique challenges on the continent – fragmented regulations and low awareness.
Ibeji further emphasised the need to empower professionals, particularly Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to drive compliance and innovation within their organisations.
She noted that as more governments adopted data privacy laws, it was essential to ensure that the professionals tasked with implementation are prepared to meet the demands.
Ibeji said new initiatives aimed at equipping DPOs across Africa with the resources they needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment were needed.
She also highlighted the importance of collaboration across governments, businesses, and civil society to create systems that are secure, ethical, and inclusive.
“As Africa navigates its digital journey, it is critical for issues to be brought to the forefront in order to advocate for solutions that will ensure the continent is not left behind in the global digital economy.
“While championing the integration of robust privacy frameworks, ethical AI governance, and cybersecurity measures, it is important to build a foundation of trust that empowers individuals, businesses, and governments alike,” Ibeji noted.
She cited examples of how digital trust could be applied in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and education.
Explaining that digital trust was essential for building confidence in digital health services, Ibeji added that it would also ensure the security of financial transactions, and protection of student data on online learning platforms.
She added that by prioritising digital trust, African organisations could redefine their role in the global economy and set new standards for responsible innovation.
By Funmilola Gboteku
Lagos, Dec. 7, 2024
Amaka Ibeji, a Technology Expert, on Saturday highlighted the urgent need to address Africa’s digital trust deficit.
Ibeji, who is also the Founder, PALS Hub, a digital trust and assurance company, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to her, Africa’s digital transformation journey is being threatened by a significant gap in digital trust, which can undermine the continent’s progress and global competitiveness.
Ibeji noted that digital trust was no longer optional, but a strategic advantage that would build confidence among customers, investors, and global partners.
Digital trust is the confidence users have in the ability of people, technology and processes to create a secure digital world.
Digital trust is given to companies who have shown their users they can provide safety, privacy, security, reliability, and data ethics with their online programmes or devices.
“Africa has the talent and creativity to lead in the digital age.
“What we need now is a collective commitment to building trust and empowering every African to participate in this transformation responsibly,” she said.
Ibeji emphasised that African organisations must prioritise digital trust, focusing on corporate leadership, localised solutions, and empowering professionals to drive compliance and innovation.
She explained that corporate leadership must prioritise digital trust, making it a strategic focus rather than an operational afterthought.
“Boards of directors must lead the charge on digital trust. This involves ongoing education, aligning trust initiatives with business goals.
“It also involves integrating diverse expertise, including technology specialists, into governance structures,” Ibeji said.
She stressed the importance of localised solutions, noting that while global best practices offered a starting point, African organisations needed frameworks tailored to the continent’s unique challenges.
She cited two unique challenges on the continent – fragmented regulations and low awareness.
Ibeji further emphasised the need to empower professionals, particularly Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to drive compliance and innovation within their organisations.
She noted that as more governments adopted data privacy laws, it was essential to ensure that the professionals tasked with implementation are prepared to meet the demands.
Ibeji said new initiatives aimed at equipping DPOs across Africa with the resources they needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment were needed.
She also highlighted the importance of collaboration across governments, businesses, and civil society to create systems that are secure, ethical, and inclusive.
“As Africa navigates its digital journey, it is critical for issues to be brought to the forefront in order to advocate for solutions that will ensure the continent is not left behind in the global digital economy.
“While championing the integration of robust privacy frameworks, ethical AI governance, and cybersecurity measures, it is important to build a foundation of trust that empowers individuals, businesses, and governments alike,” Ibeji noted.
She cited examples of how digital trust could be applied in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and education.
Explaining that digital trust was essential for building confidence in digital health services, Ibeji added that it would also ensure the security of financial transactions, and protection of student data on online learning platforms. She added that by prioritising digital trust, African organisations could redefine their role in the global economy and set new standards for responsible innovation.