The 8th Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) Conference, held in Abuja on May 6–8, 2025, provided the stage for the second AI Sandboxes Co-creation Lab in Africa. As a fringe event, the Lab convened policymakers, regulators, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and international experts to explore how sandboxes can support responsible AI adoption and cross-border digital innovation on the continent.
Building on the momentum of the Sandboxes for AI report and the Africa Sandboxes Outlook, participants co-designed practical models to foster innovation while safeguarding rights. Conversations focused on data protection, privacy, fintech, and cross-border digital trade, highlighting the potential of interoperable sandbox frameworks to facilitate trusted data flows and scale innovation. The Abuja Lab further deepened the regional dialogue on responsible AI experimentation, policy harmonization, and inclusive governance.