Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading pan-African organisation advocating for digital rights and inclusion, has applauded the tabling of Cameroon’s Personal Data Protection Bill in Parliament. This bill represents a critical step forward in protecting privacy in an era dominated by data-driven technologies. Its provisions lay the groundwork for enhanced personal data protection and align Cameroon with global efforts to address the risks of data misuse. 

While PIN commends the bill for laying the groundwork for robust data protection, it is also raising concerns about certain provisions, questioning potential effectiveness. One area of concern highlighted by the organisation is the independence of the Personal Data Protection Authority, as outlined in Section 53. The appointment of the Authority by the Head of State raises questions about its ability to operate without political influence, which is crucial for impartial enforcement. Similarly, the provision under Section 9(2) allowing the waiver of consent for tasks deemed in the ‘public interest,’ including matters of health, lacks sufficient safeguards. Without judicial oversight or clearer definitions, PIN warns that this clause risks being misinterpreted or misused.

Paradigm Initiative believes there is a unique opportunity to address these gaps during parliamentary deliberations, ensuring that the law is not only progressive in theory but also practical and effective in protecting citizens.

“Cameroon’s Personal Data Protection Bill is a significant achievement and demonstrates a growing recognition of the need for strong data protection frameworks across Africa,” said Khadijah El-Usman, Senior Programmes Officer, Anglophone Africa at Paradigm Initiative. “We urge legislators to address the ambiguities in the bill and ensure its implementation is backed by adequate capacity to monitor compliance and protect citizens from data exploitation which includes but is not limited to financial independence,” she added.

As tech corporations continue to mine data on a global scale, Cameroon’s progress in this area signals a promising step toward greater accountability in the digital age. With proper implementation and oversight, the country could join others in holding violators accountable and protecting the digital rights of its citizens.

Paradigm Initiative remains committed to working with policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure that this bill delivers on its promise of meaningful data protection for all Cameroonians.

About PIN

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) connects under-served young Africans with digital opportunities and ensures digital rights for all. We have worked in communities across Nigeria since 2007 and across Africa since 2017, building experience, community trust, and an organisational culture that positions us as a leading non-governmental organisation in ICT for Development and digital rights on the continent. 

We promote a rights-respecting continent through our team in subregional offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Our interventions are spread across more than 27 African countries. Paradigm Initiative pushes for an Internet that is open, accessible, and affordable to all.

Our programs include a Life Skills, ICT Skills, Financial Literacy, and Entrepreneurship (LIFE) Training Programme, a digital readiness workshop for youth, and a Life at Schools Club Programme. PIN has also built online platforms such as Ayeta and Ripoti that educate and serve as safe spaces for reporting digital rights violations.