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.
Background
In the contemporary era, cyberspace serves as a transformative force, knitting together a cohesive global community by transcending traditional national boundaries and nurturing intricate socio-economic, environmental, and technological linkages among societies worldwide.
In the African context, a substantial digital revolution is unfolding, marked by increasing connectivity and technological progressions that fundamentally transform economies, social dynamics, and governance frameworks. Projections from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google suggest that Africa's digital economy is set to make substantial contributions, with expected values reaching $180 billion by 2025 and a remarkable surge to $712 billion by 2050. Nevertheless, this swift advancement in digital transformation also brings forth a host of challenges, spanning from escalating cyber threats and digital inequalities to the intricacies of regulatory structures.
According to insights from a USAID Cybersecurity Briefer, cybersecurity will emerge as the foremost menace to the global economy in the forthcoming decade. Current estimations anticipate that the global toll of cybercrime could surpass a staggering $8 trillion by 2023, surpassing the gross domestic product of all but two nations—the United States and the People's Republic of China. Moreover, projections suggest an unabated escalation of cybercrime in the coming years, potentially reaching an unprecedented $23.84 trillion by 2027. In parallel, cybercrime inflicts substantial costs on Africa, with an annual toll of $4 billion contributing to a global figure of $450 billion. Notable examples include the South African economy, facing an annual burden of $570 million, Nigeria with $500 million, and Kenya with $36 million.
Given the context of these challenges, effective cyber diplomacy emerges as a critical imperative for African nations to protect their interests, promote regional collaboration, and actively participate in global cyber governance mechanisms. Cooperation at the national, regional, and international levels is fundamental for driving digital transformation, a cornerstone in realizing the African Union's 2063 vision for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Cyberspace fundamentally transforms the landscape of statecraft, influencing economic paradigms, societal dynamics, security frameworks, and international relations. Various international processes are currently underway to improve the global response to cyber threats and promote digital trust and security in accordance with the principles outlined in the Global Digital Compact (GDC). These processes include the development of norms and principles that aim to foster confidence-building measures and enhance cooperation in cyber security. The United Nations is leading several initiatives, such as the Intergovernmental Expert Group on Cybercrime (IEG), the Ad Hoc Committee for Developing a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering Information and Communication Technology for Criminal Purposes, and the United Nations Open Ended Working Groups (OEWGs) and Governmental Expert Groups (GGEs).
These multilateral processes are ‘consensus-driven, action-oriented and transparent dialogue between states, more multi-stakeholder engagement and acknowledges the importance of capacity building and reliable coordinated efforts’. Engaging actively in these dialogues concerning international norms, rules, and principles governing cyberspace empowers African nations to champion inclusive and equitable approaches that cater to the continent's distinctive needs and challenges.
Objective
This session will explore Africa's growing significance in global cyber diplomacy, emphasizing its crucial role in the continent's sustainable development and security through meaningful multistakeholder engagement. Additionally, it provides a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and strategize the advancement of African cyber diplomacy. This involves adopting a systematic and collaborative approach to establish Points of Contact (PoCs), Programme of Action (PoA), and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to bolster digital trust and security continent-wide.
The discussion will delve into the challenges, and potential opportunities linked with implementing UN normative frameworks within the African context. Moreover, Showcases successful examples of multistakeholder collaboration in cyber diplomacy within the African context. Analyse case studies to extract actionable insights and identify best practices that can be adapted and replicated across the continent.
The session will be moderated by two individuals, one onsite and one online, and will feature a total of six discussants, with representation both onsite and online.
To ensure a balanced and interactive session, speakers will alternate between onsite and remote participants. The onsite moderator will introduce the onsite speakers, followed by the online moderator introducing the remote speakers. This segment will take a total of 10 minutes. Each speaker will then have 5 minutes to provide context for their segment of the topic, totalling 32 minutes. Following this, there will be dynamic interaction from participants both at the venue and online, including Q&A sessions, interactive polling, lasting 43 minutes. A 5-minute period will be allocated for the onsite moderator to summarize key takeaways and wrap up the session.
We'll utilize online tools like Mentimeter for real-time polls, Q&A activities, and interactive engagement. Our goal is to create an environment conducive to active dialogue, ensuring equal opportunities for both onsite and online participants to share perspectives and contribute to the discussion.
UNECA
Dr. Mactar Seck (M) – Chief of Technology and Innovation Section , UNECA , IGO , Africa
Ms. Sorene Assefa ( F) Cybersecurity & Digital governance Expert, UNECA, Technical Community, Africa
Ms. Katherine Prizeman ( F) - Political Affairs Officer- Science, Technology and International Security Unit- Office for Disarmament Affairs United Nations – IGO, North America
Dr. Enrico Calandro ( M) Cybersecurity Capacity Centre for Southern Africa (C3SA), Academia, Africa
Ms. Tereza Horejsova (F) Outreach Manager, GFCE, Civil Society, Europe
Dr Towela Nyirenda Jere ( F) Head, Infrastructure, Digitalisation & Energy, AUDA-NEPAD, IGO, Africa
Ambassador Mxakato-Diseko (F) Ambassador-at-Large for Peace and Security, Human Rights and Development of South Africa, Government, Africa.
Hon. Emma Theofelus (F) – Minster, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Namibia , Government , Africa
Dr. Enrico Calandro ( M) Cybersecurity Capacity Centre for Southern Africa (C3SA), Academia, Africa
Ms. Katherine Prizeman ( F) - Political Affairs Officer- Science, Technology and International Security Unit- Office for Disarmament Affairs United Nations – IGO , North America
Dr. Towela Nyirenda Jere ( F) Head, Infrastructure, Digitalisation & Energy, AUDA-NEPAD, IGO, Africa
Ms. Tereza Horejsova (F) Outreach Manager, GFCE, Civil Society, Europe
Hon. Alhagie Mbow ( M) Member of Parliament, Government, Africa
Dr. Mactar Seck (M) – Chief of Technology and Innovation Section , UNECA , IGO , Africa
Ms. Sorene Assefa ( F) Cybersecurity & Digital governance Expert ,UNECA , Technical Community, Africa
Ms. Sorene Assefa ( F) Cybersecurity & Digital governance Expert ,UNECA , Technical Community, Africa
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.