On July 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC) and the Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a joint statement on shared digital priorities.

In particular, the DoC and the Ministry made a joint statement on artificial intelligence (AI), data transfers, and digital upskilling.

AI

On AI specifically, the DoC and the Ministry highlighted their commitment to alignment and cooperation in approaches to AI governance and adoption, including a potential engagement between the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Safety Institute and the Nigerian Center for AI and Robotics (NCAIR).

Data transfers

Regarding cross-border data transfers, the DoC and the Ministry outlined a commitment to promoting best practices by the DoC, the Ministry, and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to enhance data protection. Likewise, the DoC and the Ministry provided the need to establish interoperable data ecosystems that prioritize data protection measures and facilitate cross-border data flows through fora such as the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum. The DoC expressed support for the NDPC's engagement with the Global CBPR Forum and its consideration to participate in the Forum.

You can read the press release here and the joint statement here.