Nairobi: The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has hosted a high-level regional consultative seminar in Nairobi, drawing government leaders, experts, and partners from across the Horn of Africa to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity can bolster security, cooperation, and resilience in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, presiding over the opening ceremony, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo welcomed delegates to Nairobi and urged IGAD member states to work together in securing their digital future. Kabogo emphasized that as member states pursue digital transformation, they must recognize that cyber threats are transnational, and challenges such as misinformation, data breaches, cybercrime, and AI misuse cannot be solved by any single country alone.
Kabogo highlighted Kenya’s efforts to place digital transformation at the center of national development, citing projects such as the Digital Superhighway, aimed at laying 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across the country. He also mentioned the recently launched Kenya National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025-2030, which lays the groundwork for a responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem.
Further, Kabogo noted that Kenya has implemented a robust National Cybersecurity Strategy and strengthened legal protections through its data protection laws and regulatory institutions. He stressed that technology should not deepen inequalities but instead become a bridge to opportunity, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized communities.
Kabogo proposed the creation of a regional platform for secure threat intelligence sharing, joint training programs through national institutions, and the establishment of a network of AI and cybersecurity research centers across IGAD countries. He urged the development of a shared roadmap for digital governance that secures people, empowers innovation, and strengthens security.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the region’s critical juncture. He stated that the future of security will be determined by how well nations harness AI’s power and respond to growing digital risks. Dr. Gebeyehu highlighted how AI is transforming law enforcement across IGAD states, citing examples from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
He warned of the region’s vulnerability, noting that cyberattacks account for a significant portion of digital breaches in Africa, with Kenya losing over $83 million to cybercrime in 2023. Dr. Gebeyehu urged IGAD member states to adopt the Nairobi Commitment anchored on harmonized security governance, investment in cyber talent, and indigenous AI innovation.
Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya Gunnar Andreas Holm provided a global perspective, describing cybersecurity as a critical component of national defense. He commended IGAD for its regional leadership and reiterated Norway’s support for the seminar. Holm shared his country’s experience with cybersecurity challenges, expressing hope for actionable outcomes from the forum.
As the seminar continues, delegates are expected to finalize proposals for a regional AI and cybersecurity compact, strengthen data-sharing protocols, and develop frameworks for training and capacity-building.