The
African Union has convened a landmark Roundtable on Developing National
Positions on International Law in Cyberspace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The
pivotal event marked a significant step in equipping African nations with the
tools and frameworks necessary to actively shape the evolving global norms
governing cyberspace.
The
roundtable, attended by policymakers, legal experts, and cybersecurity
professionals from across the continent, focused on building capacity and
fostering regional collaboration. Its overarching goal was to ensure that
African voices and priorities are effectively represented in the international
discourse on cybersecurity and digital governance.
Key
objectives of the roundtable included strengthening African nations' ability to
participate in global negotiations on cybersecurity, promoting regional
cooperation to safeguard African interests in international norms, and
facilitating in-depth discussions on critical cyberspace issues. These included
sovereignty jurisdiction, conflict, and the applicability of international law
to emerging digital challenges.
One
of the central highlights of the initiative is the forthcoming Handbook on
Developing a National Position. This resource is designed to provide
African nations with practical guidance for crafting robust and unified stances
on key international legal issues in the digital domain. By offering a
structured approach, the handbook aims to empower African countries to navigate
the complexities of international cyberspace law effectively.
By
building the capacity of its member states, the African Union seeks to enhance
Africa's influence in global negotiations, creating a future where the
continent plays a central role in shaping a fair, secure, and inclusive digital
world.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
