Samuel Femi Asiyanbola’s Post

New Policy Brief Alert! We are thrilled to announce the release of a policy brief on Foreign Influence in West Africa's Security sector. The report examined the drivers of foreign influence in West Africa’s security sector and analysed the evolution in the role of state actors in the security landscape of the region. To download the full report, click here: https://lnkd.in/dY7yKD4H #DataforDevelopment #PolicyInsights #WestAfrica #SecuritySector

CS ELIUD OWALO, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, underscores the importance of digital sovereignty and data governance in Africa. He emphasized these principles during the opening of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference, gathering stakeholders to strategize on Regional Data Governance for Digital Transformation. Addressing the challenges and opportunities unique to Africa, Owalo highlighted the necessity of asserting control over the continent's digital future amidst global influences. He stressed the importance of partnerships that contribute to sustainable growth and job creation while safeguarding African interests. The conference aims to explore the current state of digital sovereignty and data governance in Africa, fostering discussions on strategies to shape a prosperous and self-determined digital landscape. Owalo's remarks align with the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention), which prioritizes e-commerce, cybercrime prevention, personal data protection, and the advancement of the African digital economy. As Africa navigates its digital transformation journey, initiatives like NADPA-RAPDP play a crucial role in fostering collaboration among data protection authorities and stakeholders. Owalo's call for digital sovereignty underscores the continent's commitment to harnessing technology for inclusive and sustainable development. #DigitalSovereignty #DataGovernance #AfricaTech #DigitalTransformation #hakunamatatamedia

Resecurity was proud to support the Cybersecurity Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) organized by U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). Our CEO, Gene Yoo, hosted delegations from Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Senegal in our office in NYC 🇺🇸 🇨🇮 🇨🇩 🇸🇳 . We appreciate the assistance from the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) in the organization of the event and are thankful to all the delegates representing the government and private sector from West and Central Africa. It was a pleasure to meet delegates from: - Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC), Government of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire - National Public-Private Partnership Steering Committee (CNP-PPP), Government of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire - Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy (PTNTIC), Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Rawbank S.A. - Equity Banque Commerciale du Congo (Equity BCDC) - La Banque Agricole S.A. (LBA) - Ministry of Economy, Planning and Cooperation (MEPC), Government of the Republic of Senegal - Banque Nationale pour le Développement Economique (BNDE) du Senegal - Organization of Information and Communication Technologies Professionals in Senegal (OPTIC) - Telecommunications and Posts Regulatory Authority (ARTP), Government of the Republic of Senegal - African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Sub-Saharan Africa continues to experience a rapid growth in digital economic activity and interconnectivity, where cybersecurity plays a pivotal role. As governments in Sub-Saharan Africa work to digitalize their economies, public services, and critical infrastructure, they are increasingly focused on mitigating the risks of cyberattacks and theft. Our team was thrilled to meet all the delegates and establish new partnerships and alliances to bring cutting-edge technologies for threat detection, data analytics, and cyber threat intelligence to Africa. We thank all the delegates for making this possible and look forward to our fruitful cooperation! Gaetan-Nicolas Bernimolin Nina Kundra Max Wojtas Fraser Leckie #cybersecurity #cyberthreatintelligence #cyberrisks #cyberresilience #cyberriskmanagement #digitalidentity #dataprotection #databreachprevention #fraudprevention #riskmanagement #riskintelligence #identityprotection #managedsecurity #saas #africa

Strengthening Africa's Security Through Unity and Collaboration In a powerful message, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasized the pressing need for Africa to address the complex and evolving security threats facing the continent. Despite remarkable progress in economic growth and political stability, Africa continues to grapple with challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, maritime piracy, and cyber threats. These dangers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and interconnected, demanding a coordinated and comprehensive response. President Akufo-Addo, speaking at the opening of the Second International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEC) 2024 in Accra, underscored the importance of enhanced regional cooperation and intelligence sharing. "No single country can tackle these threats alone; it is only through enhanced regional cooperation and intelligence sharing that we can hope to overcome them and safeguard our future," he stated. He called on all African nations to strengthen their regional security mechanisms and collaboration efforts, highlighting initiatives like the Accra Initiative and the ECOWAS Standby Force as essential frameworks for building capacity and fostering unity. President Akufo-Addo also stressed the importance of addressing emerging threats, such as cybersecurity and climate-induced security risks, with the same urgency as traditional threats. The IDEC 2024 gathering, held at the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters in Accra, brings together key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to discuss and find solutions to these contemporary security challenges. The event serves as a testament to the commitment of African governments to peace, security, and stability on the continent. President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that through unity, collaboration, and the unwavering commitment of leaders, security forces, and citizens, significant progress can be made in creating a secure, prosperous, and thriving Africa. He called for continued close cooperation with regional and international partners, aligning efforts with shared priorities while respecting sovereignty. "Together, we can build a future where Africa takes charge of her destiny, manages her own security challenges, and contributes significantly to global peace and stability," President Akufo-Addo concluded. Source: Ghana News Agency #MaritimeSecurity #Africa #RegionalCooperation #SecurityChallenges #IDEC2024 #PeaceAndStability

In today’s turbulent world, the lines between physical security and geopolitical stability are increasingly blurred. 🌍 As governments and organizations grapple with the complexities of ensuring safety amidst ever-evolving threats, the role of specialized knowledge in navigating these challenges cannot be overstated. From East to Central Africa, we're witnessing a dynamic interplay of factors—from local insurgencies to international interventions—that demand nuanced understanding and strategic foresight. The importance of tailor-made security solutions in such contexts is paramount. It's not just about responding to threats as they emerge but anticipating them through a comprehensive analysis of the socio-political landscape. This proactive approach not only safeguards assets and personnel but also contributes to a broader stability that can foster economic growth and development. Therefore, the integration of security expertise with an in-depth understanding of African geopolitics is not just beneficial—it's essential. As we continue to support organizations in navigating these complex environments, the potential for positive impact is immense. Let's leverage this expertise to contribute to a safer, more stable Sub-Saharan Africa. #SecurityExpertise #GeopoliticalAnalysis #SubSaharanAfrica

In an interview published today on the Albanian Daily News, I outlined my vision for "AlbaniAI" - how Albania can become a regional and world leader in utilizing Generative AI technologies for economic growth and improved quality of life. Following my meetings last week with Albania's Prime Minister Mr. Edi Rama, the Minister of Innovation, Culture and Economy Mr. Blendi Gonxhja, the Mayor of Tirana Mr. Erion Veliaj, and the heads of Albania's agencies for Information Society, Innovation & Excellence and E-Certification and Cybersecurity, I am certain that the country's leadership has the strategic vision and forward-looking thinking required to execute such a plan. Link to the article in the first comment.

ICC Iraq is shaping the digital future of Iraq through the Iraqi Digital Space Forum. This milestone event showcased our role in advancing digital transformation, fostering cybersecurity, and creating investment opportunities in the digital economy. At ICC Iraq, we are committed to driving innovation and building global connections that empower Iraq’s digital landscape. Together with our partners, we are making a lasting impact. #ICCIraq #DigitalTransformation #Cybersecurity #DigitalEconomy #Innovation #Iraq

During Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's (PBMM) 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA), he cited : "Our power and internet services are continuously being upgraded in both capacity and connectivity. Sa ating Free Wi-Fi Program, halos sampung milyong unique user devices ang nakikinabang sa libreng internet sa mahigit labintatlong libong lugar sa buong Pilipinas. [applause] Nasasagap ito sa marami nating mga paaralan at mga malalayo at liblib na mga pook. Patuloy pa ang ating pinararami ang mga libreng Wi-Fi sa buong bansa. As part of our internet infrastructure development, phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone has been completed and operationalized. Phases 2 and 3 have already begun early this year, and shall be completed by 2026. This fiber backbone will give us sufficient capacity in terms of bandwidth. As of 2022, only seventy-seven percent or 20.6 million households were connected to the Internet. This is much too low. Together with our private sector partners, we will efficiently harness the concept of common towers to provide connectivity to Filipinos who are at the far end of the last mile. Expect full government support to ensure the successful completion of this critical project, including policy reforms and streamlined processes. [applause] Bigger and faster IT infrastructures require stronger and more impervious cyber-defense. Our recently launched National Cybersecurity Plan lays down the blueprint for us to safeguard our systems against cyberattacks. With this said, I have directed the agencies concerned to ensure that the speed and quality of our IT development always mirrors the pace and trajectory of our economic aspirations. https://lnkd.in/dqHPPmjh #PBBM #SONA2024 #DigitalTransformationProgram #RobustCybersecurityPH #PHwillbeastronglink #cyberdiplomacy #cybercoorperation #cyberforpeace #counteringmaligninfluenceoperation #combatcybercrimes

Over the past weeks, WACSI empowered 100+ #CSOs in Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Ghana, enhancing their digital resilience. #CSOs play a crucial role in fostering democracies, upholding human rights, and ensuring justice. However, with increasing reliance on technology, they face escalating cyber threats. Read this insightful article on digital security's significance in civil society, authored by our colleagues, Jimm Chick and Akyeiri Adies Bennin Bezankeng. Here: https://bit.ly/3IuBwL7 Got digital security tips? Share with us! #DigitalSecurity #StrengtheningCSOs #CSOTraining

Interesting insights on Switzerland's international security policy by Dr. Paul de Souza, who aside from being the Executive in Residence at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GSCP), is also the founder and President of the Cyber Security Forum Initiative (CSFI) of which I am a proud member. This article is a good example of why Switzerland is considered a cybersecurity hub!