Walking the talk: NEC XON aligns with ISO 27701:2019 privacy standard

By Durandt Eskteen, Chief Information Officer | NEC XON

NEC XON has strengthened its commitment to information security and privacy governance, by extending its ISO 27001:2022 based Information Security Management System to include and align with the requirements of ISO 27701:2019, a global benchmark for Privacy Information Management. This milestone builds on the company’s ISO 27001:2022 certification achieved in 2024, marking a significant step forward in further maturing privacy management across its African operations.

“Africa's privacy landscape is becoming increasingly complex,” says Durandt Eksteen, Chief Information Officer (Africa) at NEC XON. “With the enforcement of laws such as South Africa’s POPIA, Kenya’s Data Protection Act, and Nigeria’s NDPR, implementing a framework that formalises privacy governance was the next logical step.”

Extending its ISO 27000 based framework
ISO 27701:2019 extends NEC XON’s established ISO 27000 series based framework, creating a governance model that not only protects data security but also ensures compliance with global privacy standards. ISO 27701:2019 provides clear guidelines for managing Personally Identifiable Information (PII), while bridging the critical gap between data security and privacy.

Operating across multiple African territories, NEC XON recognises the importance of a harmonised, internationally aligned approach to privacy in a region where digital transformation is outpacing regulation. By embedding ISO 27701:2019’s requirements into its processes, NEC XON enhances trust among clients, governments, and communities, reinforcing its role as a trusted technology partner.

Not business functions but business imperatives
This achievement underscores NEC XON’s view that information security and privacy are not just business functions but business imperatives. More than a compliance requirement, the ISO 27701:2019 alignment positions NEC XON with a competitive edge as organisations and governments increasingly demand robust, transparent data governance.
“By raising the bar on our information security and privacy practices, we are not only protecting stakeholder data but also demonstrating to our customers that we take their privacy rights seriously.” Eksteen adds.
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About NEC XON
NEC XON is a leading African integrator of ICT solutions and part of NEC, a Japanese global company. The holding company has operated in Africa since 1963 and delivers communications, energy, safety, security, and digital solutions. It co-creates social value through innovation to help overcome serious societal challenges. The organisation operates in 54 African countries and has a footprint in 16 of them. Regional headquarters are located in South, East, and West Africa. NEC XON is a level 1-certified broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) business. Discover more at www.nec.africa.
 
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