Cotonou hosted the 15th edition of the One Africa Digital Forum on 27 October 2026. Participants gathered in the Benin capital to address the central theme of the event, titled 'Digital Africa in the Era of 5G: Dynamics and Transformational Impact'. The forum provided a venue for stakeholders to examine regional connectivity and the integration of new telecommunications technologies across the continent. Discussions focused on the technical and structural shifts required to support 5G deployment within African markets. Representatives from various sectors attended the proceedings to evaluate the potential for regional digital growth. The 15th edition of the One Africa Digital Forum was held in Cotonou to facilitate these high-level discussions among industry leaders and government officials. The forum theme was 'Digital Africa in the Era of 5G: Dynamics and Transformational Impact', which guided the agenda for all scheduled sessions and breakout meetings throughout the day.
Prioritizing National Data Infrastructure
Luciano Hounkponou advocated for the construction and utilization of national data centers to decrease the dependence of Benin on offshore hosting providers. He suggested that moving data storage and management to internal facilities would improve the security and availability of information within the country. Reliance on international servers currently presents challenges for local entities that require consistent and immediate access to their digital assets. Luciano Hounkponou advocated for the use of national data centers to reduce reliance on offshore hosting, arguing that domestic control over information architecture is essential for long-term stability. By localizing the storage of sensitive information, the government aims to foster a more resilient digital environment that can withstand the fluctuations inherent in international telecommunications networks.
Regulatory alignment between the APDP, CNIN, and ARCEP Benin remains a priority for the government to support these infrastructure goals. Luciano Hounkponou emphasized the need for complementarity between these three bodies to establish a clear legal framework for data governance. Coordination across these organizations would prevent policy overlaps and clarify the requirements for telecommunications operators and technology firms operating in the market. The establishment of these standards aims to clarify the roles of the APDP, CNIN, and ARCEP Benin in overseeing national data traffic. Hounkponou emphasized the need for regulatory complementarity between the APDP, CNIN, and ARCEP Benin to ensure that all oversight functions are harmonized. This strategic alignment is intended to provide a predictable environment for investment in digital infrastructure, ensuring that the development of 5G networks proceeds in accordance with national security protocols and data privacy standards. By synchronizing the mandates of the APDP, CNIN, and ARCEP Benin, the government seeks to eliminate administrative bottlenecks that have previously hindered the rapid implementation of national digital projects. The ongoing collaboration between these agencies will be central to the successful transition toward a more integrated and secure national data ecosystem.
