The legal and technology sectors in Ghana and Nigeria stand at a pivotal juncture, where the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robust data privacy frameworks could catalyse economic growth, enhance access to justice, and position both nations as leaders in Africa’s digital transformation. Recent advancements in global AI regulation, such as the EU AI Act (2024) and India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Rules (2025), offer actionable blueprints for these countries to adapt and thrive in an increasingly interconnected digital economy.

Current Landscape and Opportunities

Nigeria has taken significant strides with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 and its General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), effective September 2025. These frameworks replace the outdated 2019 NDPR and align with global standards like the GDPR, emphasising accountability, data minimisation, and breach notification. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Data Protection Act (2012) and its newly announced National Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology Strategy (May 2025) aim to digitise critical datasets and promote ethical AI deployment. Both countries are also signatories to the AU’s Malabo Convention, which facilitates cross-border data flows among African nations, fostering regional collaboration.

For the legal industry, AI tools like Nigeria’s LexLocator (a pending AI-driven legal matchmaking platform) and Ghana’s exploration of AI for contract analysis and case prediction demonstrate tangible benefits:

• Efficiency gains: Automating document review, legal research, and case management could reduce delays in overburdened court systems.
• Access to justice: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants (e.g., Case Radar AI) provide low-cost legal guidance, bridging gaps for underserved populations.
• Competitive edge: Law firms adopting AI tools can offer faster, more accurate services, attracting international clients and investment.

In the tech sector, robust data privacy regimes aligned with frameworks like the EU AI Act’s risk-based approach could:

• Boost investor confidence: Compliance with global standards (e.g., GDPR, DORA) signals reliability, critical for attracting foreign tech firms.
• Foster innovation: Clear guidelines on ethical AI development encourage startups to experiment while mitigating risks like bias or privacy breaches.

Global Regulatory Trends and Local Adaptations

The EU AI Act (2024) bans high-risk AI uses (e.g., social scoring) and mandates transparency for limited-risk systems. Similarly, India’s DPDPA (2025) enforces strict consent and breach notification rules. For Ghana and Nigeria, key takeaways include:

i. Risk-tiered AI governance: Adopt a classification system to regulate AI by societal impact (e.g., banning manipulative AI in public services).
ii. Sector-specific rules: Mirror the EU’s focus on high-risk areas like healthcare and finance while exempting minimal-risk tools (e.g., spam filters).
iii. Harmonisation with regional frameworks: Accelerate ratification of the Malabo Convention and Convention 108+ to streamline cross-border data flows and avoid fragmentation.

Challenges and Strategic Recommendations

Despite progress, both nations face hurdles:

i. Implementation gaps: Nigeria’s NDPA lacks enforcement mechanisms, while Ghana’s Data Protection Commission struggles with resource constraints.
ii. Awareness deficits: Only 14% of Nigerian SMEs comply with data laws, and public understanding of AI ethics remains low.
iii. Technological infrastructure: Limited broadband access and digital literacy hinder AI adoption in rural areas.

To address these, policymakers should:

i. Leverage public-private partnerships: Collaborate with tech firms to develop scalable compliance tools (e.g., AI auditing software).
ii. Invest in capacity building: Launch nationwide training programs for legal professionals and SMEs on data privacy and AI ethics.
iii. Adopt agile legislation: Follow Canada’s AIDA model, which balances innovation with safeguards against harmful AI uses.

Conclusion

Ghana and Nigeria have a unique opportunity to lead Africa’s AI revolution by aligning local regulations with global best practices while addressing regional needs. By prioritising ethical AI development and interoperable data privacy frameworks, both countries can unlock economic potential, enhance judicial efficiency, and build trust in their digital ecosystems. The time for strategic, collaborative action is now—before the rapid pace of technological change leaves their legal and tech sectors behind.

About the Author

Jumoke Adebiyi is an experienced Intellectual Property and Data Privacy Counsel specialising in entertainment law, digital media, and emerging technologies. She is a Nigeria-licensed attorney and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/E).