Harmonization: the way forward

Cécile Barayre-El ShamiProgramme Manager, E-Commerce and Law ReformICT Analysis Section, UNCTADcecile.barayre@unctad.org

Harmonizing cyberlaws in ECOWASAccra, 18-21 March 2014

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Cybersecurity in ECOWAS

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Source: UNCTAD, Greenleaf, 2013

E-transaction Privacy Cybercrime

Laws Burkina FasoCape Verde Cote d’IvoireGambiaGhanaSenegal

BeninBurkina FasoCape VerdeCote d’IvoireGambia GhanaSenegal

Cote d’IvoireGambiaGhanaSenegal

Bills Liberia MaliNigerNigeria

LiberiaMaliNigerNigeria

Cape VerdeLiberiaBurkina FasoNigerNigeria

Where do we stand?

No e-commerce, some mobile money systemsCyberlaw reform driven by e-governmentEngagement at the higher level of government is keyOmnibus law (eg. Sierra Leone) or various lawsIn some countries, bills are under discussions (Liberia,

Nigeria)Issues include the lack of awareness of policy and law makers,

law enforcement agencies, this area is not yet a priority

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Other areas?

e-signaturesCertification centersNational IXPs

NigeriaGhana

CERTsGhanaGambia and Nigeria Sierra Leone in progressConsumer protectionTaxation

Gambia, in the context of single window 4

Recommendations

1. Continue the transposition of ECOWAS instruments integrating deadlines

2. Set up national “working group” on e-commerce legislation for a multi stakeholder approach

3. Roll out awareness campaigns to sensitize on cyberlaws4. Build the capacity of:

Policy and law makers,Police, judiciary, prosecutorsCERTs

5. Strengthen enforcement agencies6. Enhance regional cooperation by sharing information and

best practices 5

What is your role?

1. Complete and send the questionnaire by 7 April 20142. Report back home on the workshop3. Inform us about the cyberlaw advances 4. Identify a legal area where you could relay your

knowledge in your country5. Share the contacts of consultants and donors for a

better coordination6. Set up a mailing list to keep exchanging on

TrainForTrade Platform

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Follow-up activities

TrainForTrade distance learning course in October 2014 ECOWAS workshop in 2015 Regional comparative study on cyberlaw harmonization

Take stock of the cyberlaw advances Challenges Provide recommendations based on best practicesLook into different applications: mobile money, e-government, e-

commerceTo be published early 2015To be shared with your government Useful for investors, donors, and other regions

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How to request UNCTAD’s assistance

Request to be sent to the Secretary-General of UNCTADUNCTAD, Palais des Nations1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland T: +41

22 917 58 06 F: +41 22 917 00 42 E: sgo@unctad.org

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Thank you for your attention!http://unctad.org/ICT4D

Cecile.barayre@unctad.org