Recap of the Africa Cyber Defense Forum (ACDF) 2024 opening ceremony in Rwanda

The Africa Cyber Defense Forum (ACDF) 2024 kicked off with a dynamic opening ceremony that set the tone for a day filled with high-level discussions on the future of cybersecurity in Africa. The event, which brings together top leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the continent, is focused on building resilient cybersecurity frameworks to protect Africa’s rapidly growing digital landscape.

Gilbert Nyandeje, Founder and CEO of the Africa Cyber Defense Forum, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, highlighting the need for Africa to bolster its cyber defense capabilities. He emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships that leverage innovation and expertise across sectors, both locally and globally, to tackle the emerging cybersecurity threats the continent faces.

Following Nyandeje’s remarks, William Baraza, Chairman of the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI), shared his vision for a stronger, more secure digital Africa. He noted that cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and African nations must collaborate to ensure robust cybersecurity defenses that can keep up with these challenges.

The opening ceremony continued with an address from the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire. In her address, she called on African governments and private sector organizations to work hand-in-hand in building cyber-resilient systems that will protect the continent's digital infrastructure. She stressed that cybersecurity is not only about defense but also about creating trust in Africa’s digital transformation journey. Minister Ingabire acknowledged the increasing number of cyberattacks targeting African nations and emphasized the need to stay ahead of the curve with proactive measures.

David Kanamugire, CEO of the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) in Rwanda in his remarks explained the importance of cross-sector collaboration in developing secure cyber environments. Mr. Kanamugire pointed out that the rapid digitization of Africa’s economies requires cybersecurity frameworks that are both adaptable and forward-thinking. He also called for increased investment in cybersecurity education, capacity building, and innovation, noting that Africa’s digital future depends on its ability to safeguard its infrastructure from cyberattacks.

By: Kanto Okanta