Africa: Technology

The European Parliament has approved targeted amendments to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act through the AI Digital Omnibus Regulation, introducing significant changes to implementation timelines and compliance requirements.

Artificial intelligence systems are already processing personal data and making consequential decisions across Nigerian industries, from finance to healthcare. While many assume AI remains unregulated in Nigeria until dedicated legislation arrives, organisations deploying credit-scoring algorithms, automated recruitment tools, and clinical decision-support models may already be subject to binding legal obligations under the country's existing data protection framework.

The European Commission has introduced a revised Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation and updated Guidelines, effective May 1, 2026, fundamentally reshaping how technology licensing agreements are assessed under EU competition law. The framework introduces significant changes including express provisions for data licensing, extended grace periods for market share thresholds, and new requirements for technology pools and collective negotiations. Companies have until April 30, 2027, to align existin

South Africa's proposed payments reforms are expanding access to the national payment system for non-bank players, but they are also drawing clear regulatory boundaries.

South African fintech is entering a new phase where payments are becoming increasingly digital, embedded, and device-led, moving beyond traditional cards and cash.

South Africa's central bank is prioritising the modernisation of existing payment infrastructure over the immediate introduction of a retail central bank digital currency.

Nigeria's digital regulatory landscape has fundamentally shifted as enforcement actions against major corporations demonstrate that data protection, cybersecurity, and social media compliance are no longer optional.

Modern businesses depend on technology infrastructure that is often overlooked during M&A transactions, yet IT systems, software licenses, and data management frameworks are fundamental to operational continuity and business value.

The European Supervisory Authorities have released their inaugural annual report on major ICT-related incidents across the EU financial sector in 2025, revealing 3,383 incidents reported under DORA regulations.