Ms. Ulandi Exner takes over as Chair of AfICTA Making her the First Female Chairperson 

Fighting Disinformation as a Prominent Cybersecurity Challenge

Concept Note:

The phenomenon of disinformation (False Information / Fake News) is an intentional act of misleading, or providing people with wrong information, especially propaganda by or against a government, organization or individual. Its intention is usually to manipulate public opinion or influence political, social, or other outcomes which could take various forms, such as fabricated news articles, manipulated images or videos, deceptive social media campaigns, or even conspiracy theories.

Disinformation though has been in existence for centuries, became more prominent in the early 21st Century (digital age) due to the advent of the Internet and social media platforms that spread information rapidly and widely and such platforms have become a major contender/threat to the mainstream/traditional media outlets that is known for its authentic, organized and well-scrutinized information. Its existence has far-reaching consequences, including the potential to undermine democracy, incite social unrest, erode trust in institutions, and harm individuals and communities.

The 13th edition of the Quarterly eConference of Africa ICT Alliance - AfICTA, is being hosted by AfICTA Southern Africa Stakeholders in collaboration with the Institute of IT Professionals, South Africa - IITPSA and the session would examine the theme "Fighting Disinformation as a Prominent Cybersecurity Challenge", with the belief that addressing the issue of disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach which involves technology, media literacy efforts, policy interventions, and individual critical thinking skills. Fact-checking, enhancing digital media literacy, promoting responsible journalism, and fostering transparency from online platforms are all important steps in combating the spread of disinformation.

It's crucial for individuals to critically evaluate the information they come across, fact-check claims, and seek multiple reliable sources before accepting or further sharing such information. Being aware of the possibility of disinformation and encouraging responsible information consumption is essential in today's heavily interconnected world. The session would also examine 1. Brief History of Disinformation, 2. Disinformation in the Age of Social Media 3. The Challenges of Detecting Disinformation 4. Factors behind the Spread of Disinformation, 5. How to Detect and Forestall the Propagation of Disinformation and 6. To understand the risks of disinformation and misinformation.

Registration Opening Soon

Exciting news!

Registration is currently open for the 11th AfICTA Summit (Virtual)! Our distinguished Speakers have begun confirming their participation. Don't miss out.

Concept Note
In recent years, Africa has made significant progress in the digitalization of its economies, leading to increased economic opportunities and sustainable development. As the wave of the 21st century is gaining momentum, which is undoubtedly an era of digitalization, African countries must keep pace with the rapid changes brought about by technological advancements in areas such as economy, finance, healthcare, education, agriculture, and e-commerce.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, Africa must embrace digital technologies to achieve sustainable development. Smart cities can play a key role in this transformation by using digital solutions to improve the quality of life for citizens. However, cybersecurity is a critical issue that must be addressed to ensure the safety and security of digital infrastructure and users. The responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies is also essential as much as digital skills acquisition to ensure that all citizens benefit from the digital revolution. The core of Digitalization holds the key to unlocking Africa's full economic potential. By embracing digital technologies and fostering an ecosystem of innovation, the continent can leapfrog into a sustainable future, empowering its people and creating a vibrant, digitally connected economy for the benefit of all.

Despite the progress that has been made, Africa still faces several challenges in its efforts to achieve digital transformation. One major challenge is the lack of a unified digital payment solution across the continent, which makes cross-border transactions more difficult and costly. In addition, the prevalence of cyber-attacks, the lack of infrastructure, and limited digital literacy pose significant barriers to progress. However, with the right policies and investments, these challenges can be overcome and Africa's digital transformation fast-tracked.

The 11th AfICTA Summit is themed "Transforming Africa's Economy through Digitalization for Sustainable Development." and would explore how digital technologies can transform Africa's economy and society. It will focus on the potential of smart cities, cybersecurity, digital skills, bridging the digital divide, Artificial Intelligence and ethics, and the impact of technology on the environment and climate change. The summit will bring together thought leaders, ICT experts, and policymakers, to discuss these issues and develop solutions for a more sustainable future.

Smart cities can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development by using digital technologies to improve the lives of citizens. Digital technologies can also help provide better public services such as healthcare, education, and security. It is also essential to address cybersecurity challenges to ensure that digital infrastructure is protected from attacks. In addition, digital skills and digital literacy are critical for ensuring that all citizens can benefit from the digital revolution. By embracing digital transformation, Africa can reap the benefits of new technologies and create a more prosperous future for its people.

Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J5NAfyLSQ4COucBL91kD-Q#/registration

For more information, please visit the Event Page: https://aficta.africa/summits/summit-2023 

 Greetings All.

Registration is ongoing for the 11th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF-2023) which would hold in a hybrid mode, physically at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria from September 19 - 21. The theme for this year's edition is "Transforming Africa's Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation".

For your kind information, AfICTA's approved session "Cybersecurity in Africa: Exploring the UNECA Insight" would form part of the list of sessions at the event. Our session is scheduled to hold on Tuesday 19 September at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria. Room 4 (for those attending in person). Time is 9:00 am (UTC) | 10:00 am Nigeria | 11:00 am South Africa. I welcome you all to join us.

To attend either in person or virtually, please register now: https://igf.africa/registration/