Regulatory Sandbox Webinar I. Sandboxing Foundations: Tools for Data Governance

Regulatory Sandbox Webinar I. Sandboxing Foundations: Tools for Data Governance

The Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), in collaboration with GIZ under

the Data Governance in Africa Initiative and the Datasphere Initiative 

Abstract

As African countries accelerate their digital transformation journeys and grapple with the governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, understanding the role and design of regulatory sandboxes has never been more critical. Sandboxes offer a structured environment to experiment with innovative technologies and regulatory approaches in real-world conditions, helping policymakers, regulators, and innovators navigate uncertainty, assess risks, and unlock new opportunities.

The Regulatory Sandboxes Webinar Series by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) in collaboration with GIZ under the Data Governance in Africa Initiative and the Datasphere Initiative provides a timely and inclusive space for African policymakers, regulators, industry, academia, and civil society actors to come together and unpack the foundations of sandboxing, engage in immersive learning on how to design, implement, and govern them responsibly, while also building the capacity of stakeholders to tackle pressing social and economic challenges. 

This initial session (Webinar I) will introduce participants to the concept of sandboxes: what they are, why they matter for data value creation, how they have been applied in practice across different sectors and geographies and the resources and considerations needed before embarking on a sandbox journey. Learn more about Webinar II here.

Learning Objectives

Speakers from Africa, the Global South and the private sector will explore how clearly defined goals, viability, and expected outcomes shape both the immediate purpose and the long-term strategic impact of sandboxes. Through this discussion, participants will gain insights into what motivates the creation of sandboxes, the specific regulatory, policy, or operational challenges that justify experimentation, and how sandboxes can foster innovation while strengthening data governance and trust.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the value and purpose of sandboxes for data governance and data value creation, including when a sandbox is appropriate versus alternative approaches.
• Explore real-world sandbox models, including illustrative examples from Africa, the Global South, and from across the globe, highlighting lessons learned, best practices, and practical considerations.
• Engage in multi-stakeholder dialogue to share experiences, insights, and practical recommendations that can shape policy and practice in data governance and responsible AI.

About the Data Governance in Africa Initiative

The Data Governance in Africa is an Initiative that supports the African Union (AU) and its member states to form development-oriented and human-centric data regulation, data use and data infrastructure at continental, regional and member states levels. The Initiative provides concrete support for a single digital market in Africa by harmonising regulations on data, creating cross-border data flow and promoting investments in secure and sustainable data infrastructure facilities. The Initiative is funded by €60 million from the European Union and its five Member States (Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France and Germany) under the Global Gateway strategy. The project is implemented from 1st January 2023 to 31st July 2026 by GIZ, Enabel, Expertise France, ESTDEV, HAUS and Digital Africa.