Africa Internet Governance Forum 2022

BACKGROUND
The implementation of effective cybersecurity laws on a regional basis is an essential component of a regional response to the need to effectively maintain cybersecurity law and order and combat cybercrime in Africa. Following endorsement by the 2019 Sharm El Sheikh Declaration,[1] In February 2020, the African Union Commission (AUC) adopted the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa.[2] The African Digital Transformation Strategy[3] has highlighted the need for a greater capacity to detect and mitigate cyber-attacks. According to the Strategy, African Governments have the responsibility to create an enabling environment, thus policies and regulations that promote digital transformation across foundation pillars including cyber security.[4] The Strategy also states that “collaborative ICT regulatory measures and tools are the new frontier for regulators and policy makers as they work towards maximizing the opportunities afforded by digital transformation across industries”.[5] Effective and efficient digital transformation in Africa can only happen in a trusted, secure and resilient cyber space. Cybersecurity legislation is still at a developmental stage in Africa and in terms of a legal framework, Africa lacks a united and cooperative agenda with shared norms, standards and principles
 
OBJECTIVES
The guideline addresses basic cybersecurity measures and identifies standards for cybersecurity laws and regulations in respective African jurisdictions. Sometimes, content of legislation varies based on national interests and peculiarities, therefore, further expert conversation will add immense value to validating the objectives for developing the guideline for cybersecurity legislation for African Union Member States. The gathering of experts to a forum during an event such as the AIGF will serve as a platform for collaboration, sharing ideas and experience, discussing relevant issues and challenges, and identifying areas for further practical guidance on cybersecurity in the region. Based on this, the objectives of the expert forum are to :

1. Share feedback and responses on the proposed UNECA Guidelines for a “Model Law” on Cybersecurity
2. Enhance the capacity of policymakers, security experts and researchers in Africa to understand, assess and respond and mitigate  the security risk that involve digital information and communications technologies
3. Exchange insights on key areas for national cybersecurity legislations
4.  Identify challenges for developing cybersecurity legislation in the region

EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The key expected outcomes of the meeting will be as follows:

1. Draft Guidelines Model Law adopted
2. Improved understanding of cybersecurity challenges and coordination in realizing latecomers advantages for the structural transformation of Africa’s economies
3. Created awareness and promote information and cyber security resilience to inform African policy development
4. Produce a set of policy recommendations for consideration and adoption by African governments, Africa’s continental and regional organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders in Africa’s development

PARTICIPANTS
The total number of participants is expected to be between 25 -30 experts (to be confirmed). Participants will include government officials with responsibility for cybersecurity, law enforcement officers from the AU Member States, parliamentarians with expertise in cybersecurity, experts from the tech sector, civil society, academia, etc.

METHODOLOGY
The expert forum will be a blend of knowledge-sharing based on expertise, experience, research and information related to cybersecurity laws, policies and standards available globally, regionally and from countries in the African Region . There will also be substantial opportunities for participants to exchange insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities related to cybersecurity legislation , particularly as they come from different countries and with different backgrounds and mandates. Throughout the forum, discussion will be geared towards generating practical interventions that can be taken forward at a regional level and through regional and bilateral country cooperation. At the end of the Forum, contributions, excerpts and feedback from the forum will be consolidated in a final document as a “Model Law” on Cybersecurity for the Region

DISCUSSANTS
Ms. Balbine Manga, Laywer, Cameroon
Mwiimbu Siwiwaliondo Legal Officer - Law Reform, Zambia
Steven Federick,Ondongo, Gabon
Mr. Segun H. Olugbile, Cyber Policy expert, Nigeria
 
[1] African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and Information Technologies (STC-CICT) Third Ordinary Session, 22 - 26 October 2019, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt 37590-2019_sharm_el_sheikh_declaration_-_stc-cict-3_oct_2019_ver2410-10pm-1rev-2.pdf (au.int)
[2] The African Union Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030).
 
 [3] The African Union Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030).
 
 [4] The African Union Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030). Pg. 7
 
 [5]The African Union Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030). pg. 7. Italics mine for emphasis.