Regulationsby GlyphRwanda DPP Law
In force Rwanda · In force Oct 15, 2021 · no upcoming deadlines
Deadlines
Two-year transition endsArticle 67 gave controllers and processors already operating two years from publication to comply.
Law published and in forcePublished in Official Gazette No. Special of 15/10/2021. Article 70: in force on publication.
Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.
What it does
Rwanda's data protection law, modelled on the GDPR. Controllers and processors must register with the supervisory authority, report breaches within 72 hours, and store personal data in Rwanda unless they hold a certificate allowing storage abroad. Cross-border transfers need authorisation or another listed ground.
- Who it applies to
- Controllers, processors and third parties established or resident in Rwanda, and those outside Rwanda that process data of people in Rwanda.
- Penalties
- Administrative fines of RWF 2 million to 5 million or 1% of global turnover for the prior year; legal entities face 1% of global turnover. Criminal offences under Arts. 56 and after carry prison terms and fines.
- Enforced by
- National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), through its Data Protection and Privacy Office
- Official name
- Law No. 058/2021 of 13/10/2021 relating to the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy
- Citation
- Law No. 058/2021 of 13/10/2021
- Topics
- Privacy, Data residency, Breach notification
Research notes
Dates and article numbers were checked in the official gazette PDF from the Ministry of Justice; RwandaLII has a searchable copy of the same text.
Related
Bahrain PDPLBahrain's general data protection law. It sets lawful bases for processing, stricter rules for sensitive data, individual rights, transfer limits and registration duties, and creates the Personal Data Protection Authority. It carries both administrative and criminal penalties.In effect since Aug 1, 2019Egypt PDPLEgypt's data protection law covers personal data processed electronically. It sets consent and lawful processing rules, strict rules for sensitive data and cross-border transfers, and a licensing and permit system run by the Personal Data Protection Center. The Executive Regulations were only issued in November 2025, which starts a one-year window to comply.Next: Nov 2 One-year compliance window ends · in 6 days
Israel Privacy Protection Law Amendment 13Major overhaul of Israel's privacy law: broadens definitions (personal and highly sensitive information), narrows database registration, requires privacy protection officers for certain entities, and gives the Privacy Protection Authority powers to impose large administrative fines and orders, plus statutory damages.In effect since Aug 14, 2025
Kenya Data Protection ActKenya's GDPR-inspired data protection law establishing the ODPC, mandatory registration of data controllers and processors, data subject rights, 72-hour breach notification to the Commissioner, DPIAs, and conditions on cross-border transfers (with some data localisation for strategic public interest processing).In effect since Nov 25, 2019
Nigeria NDPANigeria's primary data protection statute, establishing the NDPC, lawful bases, data subject rights, 72-hour breach notification, and special duties for data controllers and processors of major importance (registration, DPO, compliance audits). The GAID 2025 supersedes the NDPR 2019 and its Implementation Framework with detailed rules on audits, DPIAs, transfers and more.In effect since Jun 12, 2023
Saudi PDPLSaudi Arabia's comprehensive data protection law with implementing regulations and separate transfer regulations: legal bases, data subject rights, breach notification to SDAIA within 72 hours, DPO and registration requirements, and restrictions on transfers outside the Kingdom.In effect since Sep 14, 2023
South Africa Cybercrimes ActCreates cybercrime offences such as unlawful access, interception, interference with data and systems, cyber fraud, extortion, and malicious communications including harmful intimate images. It also sets rules for search, seizure and cross-border cooperation. The duty for electronic communications service providers and financial institutions to report cybercrime (section 54) has not yet commenced.In effect since Dec 1, 2021South Africa POPIASouth Africa's comprehensive data protection law built on eight conditions for lawful processing, with Information Officer registration, security compromise notification to the Regulator and data subjects, and restrictions on direct marketing and cross-border transfers. Protects juristic persons as well as individuals.In effect since Jul 1, 2020
Questions about Rwanda DPP Law
- What are the Rwanda DPP Law compliance deadlines?
- Oct 15, 2021: Law published and in force. Oct 15, 2023: Two-year transition ends.
- When does Rwanda DPP Law take effect?
- Rwanda DPP Law took effect on Oct 15, 2021.
- Who does Rwanda DPP Law apply to?
- Controllers, processors and third parties established or resident in Rwanda, and those outside Rwanda that process data of people in Rwanda.
- What are the penalties under Rwanda DPP Law?
- Administrative fines of RWF 2 million to 5 million or 1% of global turnover for the prior year; legal entities face 1% of global turnover. Criminal offences under Arts. 56 and after carry prison terms and fines.