This dataset comprises a collection of data protection laws from African countries, compiled to support comparative analysis of data governance frameworks relevant to data science health research. The dataset includes full-text legal instruments sourced from official government repositories, international databases, and publicly accessible legal archives. The collection was developed as part of a systematic review examining the landscape of data protection and research governance in Africa. Each document was reviewed to identify key features such as the existence of data protection legislation and data protection enforcement authorities. This dataset serves as the primary legal source base underpinning the comparative analysis presented in Legislative, Policy, and Governance Issues to Data Science for Health Research in Africa. It is intended to enhance transparency, enable verification of legal interpretations, and support further research on data governance in African contexts.