The ECOWAS Women in Cybersecurity event kicked off in Rabat, Morocco, with a focus on enhancing African women's presence in strategic thinking and decision-making bodies related to cybersecurity. The initiative, led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with Morocco's General Directorate for Information Systems Security, Smart Africa, and the World Bank, seeks to develop the skills and expertise of women in this field.
The five-day event features a series of strategic discussions, technical sessions, and practical applications, including simulated cyber crisis exercises and exchanges of experiences among participants and international experts. The official opening session will be marked by a speech from General Abdallah Boutrik, Deputy Head of the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities and Director-General of Morocco's General Directorate for Information Systems Security.
Key topics to be addressed during the event include governance and operational mechanisms of national computer emergency response teams, protection of critical infrastructure, cybersecurity crisis management, and electronic crime. Discussions will also focus on applications of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity and the exchange of information on cyber threats at the regional level.
The event aims to foster cooperation between the public and private sectors and enhance coordination among various stakeholders at the national and regional levels. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit prominent institutions and organizations within Morocco's digital ecosystem.
A significant aspect of the event is the launch of the ECOWAS Women in Cybersecurity network, which will support mentorship programs and a platform for knowledge sharing. The network's goal is to contribute to the emergence of female leaders capable of strengthening Africa's resilience to digital threats and actively engaging in the development of national and regional cybersecurity policies.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to expand women's participation in strategic thinking and decision-making related to cybersecurity. By promoting women's leadership in this field, the event seeks to enhance the overall cybersecurity posture of West African countries and the continent as a whole.
The event brings together representatives from various institutions and cybersecurity professionals from different African countries, providing a platform for networking and collaboration. The outcome of the event is expected to contribute to the development of a more inclusive and effective approach to cybersecurity in the region.
Key points
- The event aims to promote African women's leadership in cybersecurity and develop their skills and expertise in this field.
