Closing Remarks H.E. Fortune Charumbira, President of the Africa Union Pan-African Parliament FAIR Data – FAIR Africa Conference: Internationalisation of the Health Data Space

Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests, Fellow Africans,

Today, I stand before you with a deep sense of pride and optimism as we gather to discuss a matter of immense importance to our continent’s future: data sovereignty in Africa and the role it plays in driving economic progress, ensuring our place in the global digital economy, and fostering academic collaboration across our nations.

Data Sovereignty: A Pillar of Africa’s Independence
In the 21st century, the notion of sovereignty extends beyond our physical borders; it encompasses the digital realm where information and data are the new currency of power. Data sovereignty—the principle that data generated in Africa should be governed by African institutions, under African laws—stands as a crucial pillar of our independence. It is not just about safeguarding our digital assets; it is about asserting our right to control the flow of information, to protect the privacy of our citizens, and to harness the full potential of our data for the betterment of our people.

The data that flows through our networks, generated by our citizens, our businesses, and our governments, is a valuable resource—one that must be protected and utilized in ways that benefit Africa. We must ensure that our data does not simply enrich others but contributes to the prosperity and development of our continent. This is the essence of data sovereignty.

The Value of Data for Economic Progress
Data is the oil of the digital economy. It powers innovation, fuels entrepreneurship, and drives economic growth. For Africa, the proper management and utilization of data represent an unprecedented opportunity to leapfrog traditional development models and position ourselves at the forefront of the global economy.

By harnessing the power of data, we can drive efficiencies in agriculture, improving yields and ensuring food security. We can revolutionize our healthcare systems, delivering better outcomes for our citizens. We can build smart cities that are more responsive, more efficient, and more sustainable.

But to realize these benefits, we must ensure that data is not only collected but also analyzed, shared, and used to inform decision-making. This is where the concept of FAIR Data—data that is Findable,
Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable—becomes crucial.

FAIR Data and the Africa Health Data Space
The FAIR Data principles provide a framework that ensures data is not locked away in silos but is available to those who need it, when they need it, and in a form that can be easily used. In the context of healthcare, this means that the data collected from patients in one part of Africa can be used to inform treatments and public health strategies in another, creating a continent-wide network of knowledge and expertise.

The Africa Health Data Space is a visionary initiative that seeks to build this network. By creating a shared digital space where health data can be securely stored, accessed, and analyzed, we can improve the quality of healthcare across the continent, respond more effectively to pandemics, and ensure that no African is left behind in the pursuit of health and well-being.

The Africa University Network on FAIR Open Science
Our universities are at the heart of this effort. The Africa University Network on FAIR Open Science is a groundbreaking collaboration that brings together institutions from across the continent to advance the principles of FAIR Data and open science. This network is not only about sharing data; it is about sharing knowledge, expertise, and innovation.

Through academic diplomacy, our universities are forging partnerships that transcend borders, bringing together the best minds in Africa to tackle the challenges we face. They are creating a new generation of data stewards and scientists who are committed to the principles of openness, collaboration, and ethical data management.

Academic Diplomacy: Building Bridges Across Africa
Academic diplomacy is a powerful tool for building bridges across our continent. It fosters collaboration between our universities, encourages the exchange of ideas, and promotes the development of solutions that are uniquely African. Through these partnerships, we can create a research environment that is not only world-class but also deeply rooted in the needs and priorities of our people.

By working together, our universities can lead the way in developing the standards, technologies, and policies that will shape the future of data in Africa. They can ensure that our data sovereignty is respected, that our data is used to drive economic progress, and that our citizens benefit from the digital revolution.

A Heartfelt Appreciation to Leiden University
Before I conclude, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to Leiden University for graciously hosting this significant conference. Leiden University, renowned as the first university established in the Netherlands, is not just an institution of higher learning—it is a beacon of freedom and a bastion of academic excellence.

Founded in 1575 by William of Orange, this university was born out of a commitment to liberty and intellectual freedom, a commitment that continues to resonate today. The city of Leiden itself, often called the “City of Freedom,” stands as a symbol of resistance, courage, and the enduring power of knowledge. It is fitting that our discussions on data sovereignty and the future of Africa’s digital economy are taking place here, in a city that has long championed the values of freedom and innovation.

The Power of Collaboration Between Europe and Africa
As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, the collaboration between Europe and Africa becomes more important than ever. Our continents share a long history, and today, we have the opportunity to forge a new partnership—one based on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the future.

Europe’s expertise in technology, research, and governance can complement Africa’s dynamic growth, creativity, and determination to shape its own destiny. By working together, we can develop robust frameworks for data governance, foster innovation, and ensure that the benefits of the digital economy are shared by all.

Let us build on the strong ties between our universities, governments, and private sectors to create a future where Europe and Africa stand together as equals, driving progress and prosperity on both continents.

Conclusion
Ladies and Gentlemen, as we look to the future, let us be guided by the principles of data sovereignty and the immense value of our data. Let us embrace the opportunities that FAIR Data and the Africa Health Data Space offer. Let us support the Africa University Network on FAIR Open Science as it builds the foundations of a new era of academic diplomacy in Africa.

Together, we can ensure that Africa’s data remains in Africa, that it is used for the benefit of all Africans, and that it drives the economic progress and development that our continent so richly deserves.

Let us seize this moment to build a future where Africa stands tall in the digital age—independent, prosperous, and united, with our friends in Europe standing by our side.

Thank you.