Rabat – The African Cybersecurity Forum opened in Rabat on Monday, gathering a diverse group of academics, government officials, and industry leaders to address pressing cybersecurity challenges across the continent. The forum, held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Trusted Cloud: A Pillar for Strengthening Cybersecurity,” runs through February 5.
The event brings together Moroccan and international specialists, government officials, cyber security agency representatives, company executives, and academic scholars. Organized by the General Directorate of Information Systems Security (DGSSI) under Morocco’s national defense administration, the forum is supported by Smart Africa.
Morocco’s leadership in cybersecurity was reflected in the opening ceremony, attended by 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.
Strengthening Africa’s Digital Defenses
The forum focuses on the unique cybersecurity challenges facing Africa, from safeguarding industrial operations to securing major international events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. Discussions include digital resilience, cybersecurity transformation, and the protection of critical sectors like oil and gas. Workshops will explore AI-driven threat detection, predictive analytics, and automation in DevSecOps. Risk management strategies will also be discussed to address the rising threat of cyberattacks.
Morocco’s Vision for Cybersecurity Cooperation
Minister Loudiyi highlighted Morocco’s commitment to fostering African cooperation in cybersecurity, noting that the country is at the forefront of partnerships aimed at enhancing digital security across the continent. He emphasized Morocco’s dedication to South-South partnerships, stating that Africa’s progress is intrinsically linked to solidarity and cooperation. Morocco’s ongoing initiatives, including the Atlantic Initiative for Sahel nations and the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, demonstrate the country’s commitment to strengthening both economic and digital security across the continent.
Loudiyi also stressed the importance of continued collaboration to prevent cyberattacks, citing the need for a resilient digital environment to support governments’ digital transformations.
A Call for Pan-African Cybersecurity Collaboration
Minister Seghrouchni spoke about Morocco’s advances in AI and cybersecurity, calling for a new generation of professionals with interdisciplinary skills to drive secure digital transitions. She emphasized the need for greater investments in AI and IoT systems to reinforce cybersecurity infrastructures across the continent.
Seghrouchni also called for stronger pan-African collaboration in cybersecurity, positioning Morocco as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation. She concluded by highlighting the critical role of AI in securing digital systems and shaping the continent’s digital future.
With Morocco leading the charge, the African Cybersecurity Forum provides an invaluable platform for strengthening the continent’s digital defenses through active discussion and collaboration. In September 2024, Morocco was ranked among the top five Arab nations in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), with its cybersecurity score increasing from 82.4% in 2020 to 97.5%, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
