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.
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.
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:
- Conrad Tucker – Director, Carnegie Mellon University 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
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
Agenda
All times are in GMT+1
Day 1: November 24, 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
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:
- Conrad Tucker - Director, Carnegie Mellon University 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
10:10 - 10:30 a.m. Presentation: Cybersecurity in Africa
Cybersecurity Initiatives from National School of Computer Science and Systems Analysis (Mohammed V University)
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Networking tea break
11:00 - 11:40 a.m. Discussion panel 1
State of Academia involvement in advancing cybersecurity in Africa (CERT Universities), AfricaCERT, Espace Cyberconfiance, and National CERT of Morocco
11:40 - 1:00 p.m. Group discussion session 1
Formation of four groups on four topics of cybersecurity
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Networking lunch
2:00 - 2:40 p.m. Group presentations
2:40 - 3:00 p.m. Poster session
Posters from undergraduate and masters students from Al Akhawayn University, CMU-Africa,
University of Botswana, ENSIAS, and University of the Witwatersrand
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Lightning talks
Lightning talks from Ph.D. students and companies to present their work
4:00 - 4:20 p.m. Recommendations
Roundtable recommendations from the symposium
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 - 9:30 a.m. Upanzi presentations
9:30 - 9:45 a.m. Tea break
9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Discussion: Digital Identity
Digital Identity: A Catalyst for E-Government and Cybersecurity
10:45 - 11:00 a.m. Tea break
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Upanzi collaboration round table (closed-door event)
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Networking lunch
1:00 - 1:30 p.m. Digital ID Hackathon launch
Launch of the Northern and Southern Africa Digital ID Hackathons
1:30 - 1:40 p.m. picoCTF announcement
Overview of outreach for picoCTF initiative and recognition of winners of the mini-picoCTF-Africa competition
1:40 - 1:50 p.m. Closing remarks by the Upanzi Network
1:50 - 2:00 p.m. Closing remarks by Al Alkhawayn University
2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Gathering
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. University and city tour
3:30 p.m. Departure
Explore more
The Upanzi Network
An Africa-based network of engineering research labs that is working towards a secure and resilient digital transformation on the continentThe African Engineering and Technology Network
A pan-African network of technology-focused universities working together for the inclusive digital transformation of the continentLearn more or partner with us
Email us at upanzi@andrew.cmu.edu