Symposium on Cybersecurity and Digital Identity in Africa

November 21-22, 2024

Ifrane, Morocco

This two-day event is focused on tackling cybersecurity challenges and exploring digital identity innovations across Africa. Key topics will be discussed, including cybersecurity education, regulation frameworks, digital identity initiatives, and risk management measures.

The symposium brings together professionals from academia, NGOs, industry, and government. It is organized by the Upanzi Network in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University Africa and partners like Al Akhawayn University, University of the Witwatersrand, and the University of Botswana.

This event aims to facilitate discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on enhancing cybersecurity capacity in Africa. The symposium also offers a platform for networking, with attendees engaging in discussions, presentations, and group sessions to identify opportunities for strengthening cybersecurity across the continent.

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Objectives

  • Introduction to cybersecurity: Explore the current state of cybersecurity in Africa and the key challenges facing the continent
  • Introduction to digital ID: Explore the current digital ID initiatives in the country and the continent and how they shape digital transformation
  • Capacity building: Discuss strategies for increasing cybersecurity education and practical applications within private, public, and academic sectors
  • Partnership collaborations: Highlight the significance of collaborations, particularly the partnerships between CMU-Africa, Upanzi Network, and African universities, to drive digital transformation

With over 100 expected participants, the symposium will foster discussions on how academia, government, and industries can collectively improve cybersecurity infrastructure and ensure data protection across the continent.

Al Akhawayn University

Source: Al Akhawayn University

Key speakers and collaborators

Featured speakers

The Symposium on Cybersecurity and Digital Identity in Africa features a diverse lineup of expert speakers from various fields, including academia, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Some key speakers include:

  • William Mutero, Director of the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa, CMU-Africa
  • Assane Gueye – Co-Director, Upanzi Network
  • Representatives from Al Akhawayn University, National School of Computer Science and Systems Analysis (Mohammed V University), and other key institutions

Collaborating partners

Al Akhawayn University websiteAl Akhawayn University
University of Botswana websiteUniversity of Botswana
University of the Witwatersrand websiteUniversity of the Witwatersrand
National School of Computer Science and Systems Analysis logo

National School of Computer Science and Systems Analysis

These institutions are working together to promote cybersecurity capacity building and digital identity solutions tailored to the African context, focusing on improving collaboration between academia, government, and private sectors.

Networking opportunities

Attendees will have ample opportunities to engage and network with fellow participants during:

  • Tea breaks and lunches
  • The cocktail hour on day 1
  • The university and city tour on day 2
Students in a classroom

Source: Al Akhawayn University

Agenda

All times are in GMT+1

Day 1: November 21, 2024

8:15 - 9:00 a.m. Arrival
Badge collection + welcome coffee & refreshments

9:00 - 9:10 a.m. Opening remarks and agenda overview
Welcome, opening remarks, and agenda overview from Al Akhawayn University

9:10 - 9:20 a.m. Opening remarks from the government sector,
Digital Development Agency

9:20 - 9:30 a.m. Opening remarks about partnerships
An overview of partnerships including CMU-Africa, Upanzi Network, and the African Engineering and Technology Network

Speakers:

  • William Mutero - Director, Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa, CMU-Africa
  • Assane Gueye - Co-director, Upanzi Network

9:30 - 9:50 a.m. Presentation: Cybersecurity in Africa
Cybersecurity Initiatives from CyLab-Africa and Upanzi Network

9:50 - 10:10 a.m. Presentation: Cybersecurity in Africa
Cybersecurity initiatives from Al Alkhawayn University

10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Networking tea break

10:30 - 11:50 a.m. Group discussion session 1
Formation of four groups on four topics of cybersecurity

11:50 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Group presentations

12:30 - 1:00 p.m. Presentation: Maroc Cyberconfiance
Running a cybersecurity awareness programs at scale

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Networking lunch

2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Presentation: Digital Identity Project in Morocco and Q&A

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Panel discussion
Digital Identity: A Catalyst for E-Government and Cybersecurity

3:30 - 4:20 p.m. Roundtable recommendations for digital ID innovation

4:20 - 4:30 p.m. Closing remarks, recap, and agenda for the next day

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Cocktail and networking session

Day 2: November 22, 2024

8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Arrival

9:00 - 9:15 a.m. Opening remarks

  • H.E. Shakilla K. Umutoni
    Ambassador of Rwanda to Kingdom of Morocco

9:15 - 9:25 a.m. Upanzi Network presentation: CMU-Africa

  • Assane Gueye
    Carnegie Mellon University Africa

9:25 - 9:35 a.m. Upanzi node presentation: Al Akhawayn University

  • Houda Chakiri
    Al Akhawayn University

9:35 - 9:45 a.m. Upanzi node presentation: University of Botswana

  • Sajid M. Sheikh
    University of Botswana

9:45 - 9:55 a.m. Upanzi node presentation: University of Witwatersrand

  • Leketi Makalela
    University of Witwatersrand

9:55 - 10:10 a.m. Group photo and networking tea break

10:10 - 10:30 a.m. Presentation
CNDP ongoing projects on data privacy

  • Ismail Iraqui Houssaini
    Head, Citizen Relations Service

10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Presentation and Q&A
Cybersecurity academic program and research

  • Hanane El Bakkali
    National School of Computer Science and Systems Analysis,
    Mohammed V University

11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Digital ID Hackathon launch
Launch of the Northern and Southern Africa Digital ID Hackathons

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Track 1: Roundtable collaboration discussion (closed-door event)

University of Witwatersrand, University of Botswana, and Al Alkhawayn University commitment pledge for the next 12 months

Track 2: Posters/demos from undergraduate and masters students

 

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Networking lunch, prayer time, and poster session after lunch

 

2:30 - 2:40 p.m. Recognition of winenrs of the mini-picoCTF-Africa competition

  • Junias Bonou
    Cybersecurity Engineer
    The Upanzi Network at CMU-Africa

2:40 - 2:45 p.m. Closing remarks from the Upanzi Network

2:45 - 2:50 p.m. Closing remarks from Al Alkhawayn University

3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Gathering and preparation for the tour

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. University and city tour

4:30 p.m. Departure

November 21, 2024

picoCTF-Africa miniCTF

As part of the picoCTF-Africa initiative, CMU-Africa will hold a miniCTF for students in Morocco.

Learn more

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The Upanzi Network

An Africa-based network of engineering research labs that is working towards a secure and resilient digital transformation on the continent

CyLab-Africa

A collaboration between CyLab Security and Privacy Institute and CMU-Africa

The African Engineering and Technology Network

A pan-African network of technology-focused universities working together for the inclusive digital transformation of the continent

Learn more or partner with us

Email us at upanzi@andrew.cmu.edu