Ethiopia to Host Global Cybersecurity and AI Conference

Ethiopia Hosts International Conference on Cybersecurity and AI

Addis Ababa is set to host a significant international conference focused on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. This event, scheduled for June 24 to 25, 2026, aims to enhance Africa’s cyber resilience and support the secure integration of AI as digital transformation accelerates across the continent.

The conference is organized by the Ethiopian Cybersecurity Association and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). During a recent briefing for journalists, Berhane Beyene, President of the Ethiopian Cybersecurity Association, highlighted the conference's primary objectives. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Africa’s cyber resilience and data sovereignty while promoting the safe adoption of artificial intelligence.

This gathering is expected to attract a diverse range of participants, including government institutions, cybersecurity and AI organizations, regulatory bodies, academia, and businesses. Additionally, national security agencies, ICT and digital transformation ministers, practitioners from Security Operation and Network Operation Centers, critical infrastructure operators, banks, telecommunications providers, utilities, AI security researchers and professionals, universities, innovation hubs, research institutes, global cybersecurity vendors, and development partners will be in attendance.

Beyene stated that the conference will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, presenting real-world experiences in cybersecurity implementation and incident response. It will also showcase AI-enabled security solutions, aiming to foster a more secure digital environment across the continent.

Amos Homodza, a representative from UNECA, emphasized the significance of the conference as African countries continue to accelerate their digital transformation. He noted that governments are digitizing public services, businesses are adopting cloud technologies, and financial institutions are expanding payment systems. Moreover, more organizations are exploring the transformative potential of AI.

Homodza pointed out that AI is already influencing how people work, learn, govern, innovate, and deliver services. As a result, cybersecurity has become a crucial enabler of trust in the digital future. The two domains—cybersecurity and AI—are increasingly intertwined, necessitating a coordinated approach.

The conference will explore ways to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities across various sectors and how to harness AI responsibly, securely, and inclusively. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for a balanced approach that leverages the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks.

Through this event, stakeholders from different sectors will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives that promote a safer and more resilient digital ecosystem in Africa. The discussions and outcomes of the conference are expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements.