African Cybersecurity Forum: Strengthening Digital Resilience Across the Continent

The African Cybersecurity Forum, opened in Rabat on February 3, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Trusted Cloud: A Pillar for Strengthening Cybersecurity.” The event, organized by the General Directorate of Information Systems Security (DGSSI) in partnership with Smart Africa, underscores Africa’s commitment to tackling the evolving challenges in digital security.

A Call for a Secure and Sovereign Africa

The forum’s opening speech was delivered by Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, who set a powerful tone for the event. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of unity in digital defense, stating,

Together, let’s build an Africa where every byte is protected, every innovation is secure, and every nation is sovereign.

– Lacina Koné, CEO, Smart Africa

Present at the opening ceremony were high-ranking officials, including Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, Minister of Youth Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi, Minister Delegate for the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa, and Minister Delegate for Digital Transition Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni. Their presence highlighted Morocco’s dedication to spearheading cybersecurity efforts on the continent.

As reported by Morocco World News, the forum has brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, representatives of Arab and African cybersecurity agencies, private sector executives, and academic scholars, to address digital security challenges across the continent. The publication also noted that the forum’s focus extends to securing Africa’s digital future through collaboration and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and trusted cloud solutions.

Collaborative Efforts to Strengthen Africa’s Digital Defenses

The forum addresses critical challenges affecting Africa’s digital resilience, with discussions ranging from industrial operations to global events like the FIFA World Cup. Key topics include:

• AI-Driven Cybersecurity: Leveraging predictive analytics, security automation in DevSecOps, and AI-driven threat detection.
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: Focusing on sectors like oil, gas, and energy.
• Risk Management Strategies: Tackling increasing cyber threats with proactive responses.

Workshops delve into practical solutions, exploring predictive technologies and automation tools that enhance cybersecurity frameworks across the continent.

Morocco’s Vision for Cybersecurity and Pan-African Cooperation

During the opening session, Minister Abdellatif Loudiyi reiterated Morocco’s vision of fostering African unity in cybersecurity under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Highlighting key Moroccan initiatives, such as the Atlantic Initiative for Sahel Nations and the Dakhla Atlantic Port, Loudiyi called for South-South partnerships to bolster continental cybersecurity efforts.

Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals to navigate Africa’s digital transformation. She advocated for investments in AI and IoT technologies, asserting that these are essential for creating secure and trustworthy digital systems.

AI is a powerful lever to shape the future and guarantee security for digital systems.

– Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni

Morocco: A Leader in African Cybersecurity

Morocco’s leadership in cybersecurity was further underscored by its recognition in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), where it ranked among the top five in the Arab world, with its cybersecurity score increasing from 82.4% in 2020 to 97.5% in 2024, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Paving the Way for a Resilient Digital Future

The African Cybersecurity Forum offers a vital platform for collaboration, bringing together experts from Morocco and beyond to chart a secure digital future for Africa. As discussions continue through February 5, the forum stands as a testament to the continent’s commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure while fostering innovation and sovereignty.