GFCE Africa participates in Global Cyber Policy Dialogues

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) Africa has participated in the Global Cyber Policy Dialogues: Southern Africa held at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. The event was hosted by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the South Africa Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Observer Research Foundation America, and Research ICT Africa.

Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Ronel Ferreira, Deputy Dean of the University of Pretoria, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Director General at DIRCO South Africa, Ambassador Joanne Doornewaard of the Netherlands Embassy, Dr. Kola Ijasan, Research Director at Research ICT Africa, and Bruce McConnell, Distinguished Fellow at ORF America.

The dialogue brought together over 70 participants, including policymakers, diplomats, senior advisors, and private and government stakeholders from across Southern Africa. Discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation, building cyber resilience, and aligning national policies with global cyber norms and frameworks.

Key topics included enhancing national cybersecurity strategies, improving cyber capacity and skills, promoting cross-border cooperation to combat cybercrime, and fostering multistakeholder collaboration in cyberspace governance. Participants also explored ways for Southern African countries to engage effectively in global cyber diplomacy while addressing local development and security challenges.

The event highlighted the critical role of coordinated regional action, knowledge sharing, and public-private partnerships in creating a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital ecosystem across Southern Africa.