Session
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The round table format is ideally suited for our workshop on Cyber Diplomacy in Africa for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it fosters collaboration by encouraging equal participation and open dialogue among all attendees both in person and online, regardless of their backgrounds or positions. This inclusivity creates an environment where every participant feels empowered to contribute their insights and perspectives. Symbolically, the absence of a head or hierarchical seating arrangement reinforces the principle of equality among stakeholders, emphasizing that all voices are valued equally in the discourse. By directing attention solely to the discussion itself rather than any individual, the round table format ensures that the focus remains on the topic at hand, promoting meaningful engagement and constructive dialogue. Overall, the round table format is an effective choice for our workshop, as it encourages collaboration, inclusivity, and focused attention on the key issues surrounding Cyber Diplomacy in Africa.
In today's digital era, cyberspace has become a transformative force, transcending traditional boundaries and fostering socio-economic, environmental, and technological interconnectivity across the globe. In Africa, the ongoing digital revolution is reshaping economies, societal dynamics, and governance structures. Projections from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google indicate that Africa's digital economy could contribute $180 billion by 2025, with this figure expected to rise to $712 billion by 2050.
However, this rapid digital transformation also presents significant challenges, including escalating cyber threats, widening digital inequalities, and complex regulatory frameworks. According to a USAID Cybersecurity Briefer, cybersecurity is poised to become the foremost threat to the global economy in the next decade. In 2023, the global cost of cybercrime surpassed $8 trillion—greater than the GDP of all but two countries—and is projected to reach $23.84 trillion by 2027.
Global initiatives, including the United Nations' work on norms, principles, and confidence-building measures (CBMs), highlight the importance of a consensus-driven, action-oriented approach to fostering digital trust and security. African nations have been engaging actively in these processes to advocate for inclusive and equitable solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges.
Objective
This session aims to explore Africa’s evolving role in global cyber diplomacy, highlighting its critical role in promoting sustainable development and security. The workshop will provide a collaborative platform for stakeholders to exchange insights, strategize on advancing African cyber diplomacy, and address challenges related to implementing UN normative frameworks in the African context.
Ms. Sorene Assefa (F), Cybersecurity & Digital Governance Expert- UNECA
Onsite Moderator
- Dr. Mactar Seck (M), Chief of Technology and Innovation Section- UNECA
Panellists
- Ms. Tereza Horejsova, Senior Outreach Manager – GFCE
- Ms. Sorene Assefa, Cybersecurity & Digital Governance Expert- UNECA || EU Cyber Diplomacy 2024 Fellow
- Hon. Minister Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology – Namibia
- Dr. Katherine Getao, Cyber Hygiene, Cyber Diplomacy, and ICT Strategy and Governance Consultant - Diplo Foundation
- Ms. Beyza Unal, Head of the Science and Technology Unit – UNODA
- Hon Susan Dossi, Malawi- Chairperson Media and ICT Committee, Malawi Parliament, Executive Committee Member of APNIG
Dr. Mactar Seck , Chief of Technology and Innovation Section - UNECA
Ms. Sorene Assefa, Cybersecurity & Digital Governance Expert- UNECA
Ms. Sorene Assefa, Cybersecurity & Digital governance Expert - UNECA
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Cyber diplomacy is essential for ensuring peace and security in cyberspace. By promoting dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation among nations, helps to prevent cyber conflicts and mitigate cyber threats. Additionally, effective cyber diplomacy contributes to the establishment of resilient institutions capable of addressing cyber challenges. Through this session, participants will explore strategies for fostering international cooperation and building robust institutional frameworks to enhance cyber security, thereby advancing Goal 16 objectives. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Cyber diplomacy plays a crucial role in promoting innovation and the development of robust cyber infrastructure. By facilitating collaboration between governments, businesses, and other stakeholders, it helps to drive technological advancements and create a secure digital environment conducive to economic growth and sustainable development. This session will examine the linkages between cyber diplomacy, innovation, and infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of investing in cyber capabilities to support Goal 9 targets. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Cyber diplomacy underscores the significance of international collaboration and partnerships in addressing global cyber challenges effectively. Through multilateral engagement and cooperative initiatives, countries can pool their resources and expertise to develop common strategies, share best practices, and build collective resilience against cyber threats. The session will emphasize the importance of fostering partnerships between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to achieve shared cyber security objectives, thus contributing to the realization of Goal 17 aspirations.
Report
Meeting Summary: Global IGF 2024
Session Title: Africa in Cyber Diplomacy: Multistakeholder Engagement
Date & Time:
Tuesday, 17 December 2024, 14:00 - 15:30
Venue:
Workshop Room 8 (Hybrid Format)
Background
This session explored Africa's evolving role in global cyber diplomacy, highlighting its critical role in promoting sustainable development and security. The workshop provided a collaborative platform for stakeholders to exchange insights, strategize on advancing African cyber diplomacy, and address challenges related to implementing UN normative frameworks in the African context.
In today's digital age, cyberspace is reshaping governance, economies, and societal structures worldwide. Africa's digital economy has immense potential, projected to contribute significantly by 2025 and growing to $712 billion by 2050. However, with this rapid digital transformation come significant challenges: rising cybercrime, digital inequality, and complex regulatory landscapes.
Session Objectives and Outcomes
The session aimed to achieve the following objectives and outcomes:
- Establish Collaborative Frameworks and Identify Actionable Strategies: Establish Points of Contact (PoCs), Programs of Action (PoAs), and Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) to enhance digital trust and security, and identify at least three actionable strategies for African nations to strengthen their role in global cyber governance.
- Foster Enhanced Collaboration and Dialogue: Foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to drive digital transformation, enhance regional cooperation in Africa, and address challenges and opportunities related to Africa's implementation of UN cyber norms and frameworks.
- Share Best Practices and Develop Policy Recommendations: Share best practices and practical solutions for addressing cybersecurity challenges in Africa, with a focus on replicable and scalable approaches, and develop policy recommendations for African governments and regional organizations to advance cyber diplomacy and address emerging cyber threats.
Session Highlights
Collaborative Frameworks
Dr. Mactar Seck (UNECA) emphasized the importance of establishing PoCs, PoAs, and CBMs to foster digital trust across Africa. Speakers called for African nations to align their efforts with global frameworks, including the UN's cyber norms and principles.
Addressing Challenges and Opportunities
Ms. Katherine Getao (Diplo Foundation) discussed the critical need to localize UN normative frameworks for Africa, ensuring their relevance to regional priorities. Hon. Emma Theofelus (Namibia) highlighted the role of governments in crafting policies that bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to cybersecurity tools.
Success Stories and Best Practices
Tereza Horejsova (GFCE) shared successful multistakeholder collaboration initiatives, emphasizing the importance of capacity-building programs tailored to Africa's needs. Namibia's comprehensive cybersecurity strategy was showcased as a replicable model for legislative and policy excellence in Africa.
Actionable Insights for Regional and International Cooperation
Ms. Beyza Unal (UNODA) highlighted the necessity of leveraging science and technology to address cyber threats and enhance global collaboration. Speakers stressed the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing platforms to foster innovation and resilience.
Key Takeaways
- Build Collaborative Frameworks: African nations should establish PoCs, PoAs, and CBMs to strengthen trust and security.
- Promote Regional Cooperation: Regional alliances and frameworks can enhance Africa's voice in global cyber diplomacy.
- Invest in Capacity Building: Human capital development is critical to addressing cybersecurity challenges and advancing digital transformation.
- Localize Global Frameworks: Tailoring UN cyber norms and principles to Africa's unique needs ensures their effectiveness.
- Protect Critical Infrastructure: Public-private partnerships are vital to safeguarding critical digital systems and promoting innovation.
Calls to Action
The session identified several actionable steps to enhance cyber diplomacy in Africa:
- Invest in Human Capital and Institutional Frameworks: Equip policymakers, parliamentarians, and technical experts with the skills needed to address emerging cybersecurity challenges.
- Strengthen Regional Collaboration: Align national cyber policies and foster regional alliances to amplify Africa's influence in global cyber governance.
- Develop Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategies: African countries must adopt and implement strategies that address national, regional, and international priorities.
- Support Local Technologies: Invest in local technological solutions to reduce dependencies on foreign-owned infrastructure.
- Promote Inclusive Participation: Engage governments, civil society, and the private sector in shaping Africa's cyber diplomacy agenda.