Research Data Sovereignty in the SADC: A Comparative Policy Analysis of South Africa and Tanzania
Description
Research data sovereignty has become an important consideration in the governance of research data, particularly as African countries expand open science initiatives, digital research infrastructure, and international scientific collaboration. These developments raise questions concerning legitimate authority over research data, institutional stewardship, access and reuse, privacy, cross-border transfers, and the protection of national and community interests. However, the extent to which existing governance frameworks address these interconnected dimensions remains insufficiently understood. This study examines the legal, policy, and institutional frameworks governing research data sovereignty in South Africa and Tanzania. Specifically, it identifies relevant governance instruments, assesses their coverage of ten dimensions of research data sovereignty, and compares their strengths and gaps. The study employed a structured qualitative documentary analysis of national legislation, policies, regulatory frameworks, research governance instruments, and relevant institutional guidelines. Documents were identified through structured searches and purposive selection of authoritative instruments. A deductive analytical framework was used to assess provisions across ten dimensions: ownership; access, use and reuse; rights, privacy and consent; security; cross-border transfers; community and collective interests; preservation; storage and infrastructure; national interests and strategic autonomy; and accountability and enforcement. Findings were organised into five analytical themes to facilitate comparison.