GFCE Contributes to AfDB Workshop on Cyber Risk and Cyber Threat Intelligence 

November 23, 2024 – The Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) was honored to participate in a workshop hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) focusing on cyber risk and cyber threat intelligence in Africa’s dynamic digital landscape. The event, held on Friday November 22, featured contributions from GFCE Africa Hub representatives Moctar Yedaly, Director of the GFCE Africa Hub. 

As part of the growing cooperation between the AfDB and GFCE, the workshop underscored the importance of addressing Africa’s unique cybersecurity challenges and opportunities. Representing the GFCE Africa Hub, Moctar Yedaly emphasized the critical role of cybersecurity in achieving Africa’s broader development goals, offering key insights into the region’s evolving needs and potential solutions. 

Highlights of the GFCE Contribution 

The GFCE experts outlined several pivotal points during their presentation: 

• Clarity in Definitions: Effective strategies begin with a clear understanding of key terms. The distinction between cyber threats (the dangers) and cyber risks (the probability and impact of those dangers) is essential. Similarly, differentiating cybersecurity from cybercrime ensures focused approaches to addressing each challenge. 

• Leadership Engagement: Executives across sectors must prioritize cybersecurity and threat intelligence. Safeguarding data, protecting critical infrastructure, and quantifying risks in both business and political contexts are crucial to developing comprehensive strategies. 

• Building a Cybersecurity Culture: A robust cybersecurity culture involves continuous training, integrating threat intelligence into organizational decision-making, and preparing for future challenges by leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and large language models. Establishing dedicated Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) teams will further strengthen Africa’s resilience. 

• Cybersecurity as a Socio-Economic Imperative: Cybersecurity is more than a technical issue; it is central to Africa’s development agenda. The GFCE Africa Hub is committed to acting as a key enabler, providing a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and collaborate on solutions tailored to Africa’s needs. 

A Collaborative Path Forward 

The GFCE Africa Hub expressed gratitude to the AfDB for convening this critical discussion, which reflects the shared commitment to securing Africa’s digital future. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the partnership between the GFCE and AfDB aims to equip African nations with the tools and expertise needed to address cybersecurity challenges while supporting the continent’s digital transformation. 

Moctar Yedaly, the GFCE Africa Hub Director (left) during the African Development Bank (AfDB) workshop.

About GFCE 

The Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) is a multi-stakeholder platform dedicated to strengthening global cyber capacity and expertise. Through its Africa Hub, the GFCE collaborates with regional partners to advance cybersecurity, build resilience, and support sustainable digital development.