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:
- 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
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 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 - 9:30 a.m. Upanzi presentations
9:30 - 9:45 a.m. Tea break
9:45 - 10:05 a.m. Presentation
CNDP ongoing projects on data privacy
- Ismail Iraqui Houssaini
Head, Citizen Relations Service
10:05 - 10:45 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
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. miniCTF winners announcement
Overview of outreach for picoCTF-Africa initiative and recognition of winners of the minipicoCTF 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 and preparation for the tour
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. University and city tour
3:30 p.m. Departure
picoCTF-Africa miniCTF
As part of the picoCTF-Africa initiative, CMU-Africa will hold a miniCTF for students in Morocco.
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