Report | Amplifying Global South Voices in Digital Rights Policymaking | Governance and Regulation

Bridging Data Governance Gaps in Africa’s Electioneering Processes

The project “Bridging Data Governance Gaps in Africa’s Electioneering Process” focuses on developing a robust data governance framework for elections in Nigeria and Kenya. Its objectives are to investigate current data governance practices, identify challenges, and propose actionable solutions to enhance electoral integrity, protect voter data, and reinforce the credibility of electoral systems. The project seeks to address the need for a robust data governance framework in electoral processes, focusing on Nigeria and Kenya.

The methodology combined comprehensive research with participatory approaches. An in-depth analysis of existing data governance frameworks and practices in recent elections in Nigeria and Kenya, and extensive literature reviews to explore global best practices and challenges. This was followed by focus group discussions and surveys collected opinions from 127 electorates, further validating the research findings. A hybrid stakeholder engagement session was then held, bringing together regulators, civil society organizations, and data governance experts to review the findings and  provide feedback to proposed recommendations.

The project has now consolidated the insights gained and developed practical recommendations that can strengthen data governance frameworks and, by extension, the integrity of electoral processes in both countries.

This report was prepared by the Ikigai Innovations Initiative and was an outgrowth of the Datafication and Democracy Fund, launched in 2024 to support organizations addressing the challenges of the intersection of datafication and democracy in the #GlobalSouth.

To check the complete file, access the link here.