• Guinea launched work on a National Data Governance Strategy on June 19 to establish rules for data collection, sharing, security and value creation.

• The government aims to improve public-sector data quality, strengthen interoperability and support artificial intelligence, innovation and the data economy.

• The initiative aligns with Guinea’s Simandou 2040 development program, which places digital transformation among the country's strategic priorities.

Guinea continues to structure its digital economy. The government launched work on a National Data Governance Strategy on Friday, June 19. The strategy will establish rules for the collection, sharing, protection and valorization of data generated by government agencies, businesses and citizens.

The National Directorate of Information Technologies and the Digital Economy (DNTIEN) is leading the initiative. The strategy seeks to provide Guinea with a reference framework that improves the quality of public data, strengthens interoperability and promotes the use of data in digital services.

In addition, authorities aim to create conditions that support new applications in artificial intelligence, innovation and the data economy. At the same time, authorities intend to protect sensitive information and preserve national digital sovereignty.

The initiative comes as Guinea increases investment in digital infrastructure and places digital transformation among the priorities of its Simandou 2040 development program. The long-term national plan includes the modernization of technological infrastructure and the development of an economy that relies more heavily on knowledge, innovation and digital services. Consequently, the data governance strategy forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the foundations of the country's digital transformation agenda.

Beyond infrastructure development, several experts view effective data utilization as a critical factor in improving public services, strengthening economic planning and attracting investment.

As a result, many African countries have accelerated the adoption of data governance frameworks. Countries including Rwanda, South Africa, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Lesotho, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique have already strengthened or implemented national policies dedicated to data governance.

For Guinea, the stakes extend beyond administrative reform. Effective data governance could facilitate the secure exchange of information among government agencies, improve public-sector decision-making and support the development of artificial intelligence applications in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and financial services.

Furthermore, authorities expect the initiative to lay the foundation for a digital ecosystem capable of supporting the country's economic ambitions through 2040.

Samira Njoya