Malabo Convention Takes Effect: Beyond the Positive Announcement, Challenges of Implementation and Modernization

The Malabo Convention, which officially became effective in 2023 following its formal acceptance by Mauritania, represents a crucial step towards the harmonization of legal frameworks in Africa regarding cybersecurity and the protection of personal data. This legal tool, adopted by the African Union in 2014, aims to respond to the challenges presented by the rapid evolution of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and to promote regional cooperation in these fields. Despite its significant potential for improving digital security and data governance at continental level, the article highlights the need for the convention to be continually updated to incorporate emerging issues such as artificial intelligence and cyberterrorism. It also calls for effective implementation and increased cooperation between African countries to ensure successful legislative harmonization, while taking into account international standards.