Niamey, Niger – July 24–26, 2025 — AfricaCERT, in collaboration with the National Agency for Information Society (ANSI), the national authorities, and cybersecurity partners, successfully hosted its Handshake Cybersecurity Conference, a three-day event aimed at advancing cybersecurity capacity building, coordination, and resilience across the African continent. The conference brought together government officials, cybersecurity experts, industry leaders, young people, media representatives, and law enforcement agencies to exchange best practices, develop strategic frameworks, and participate in live technical exercises addressing emerging cyber threats in Africa’s digital ecosystem.
At the opening of the proceedings, His Excellency Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine reminded everyone of a fundamental truth:
“Digital sovereignty cannot be declared. It must be built through infrastructure, expertise, and political will.”
A direct message, reflecting the regional context in which the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) aim to pool their efforts to reduce digital dependence and take control of their own critical infrastructures. The notable presence of ministerial delegations from the Republic of Maliand Burkina Faso, as well as several African ambassadors and international actors underscores the growing strategic importance of cyberspace in matters of security, diplomacy, economic prosperity, and governance. In addition to representatives from the member states of the AES, the event brought together participants from Tunisia, Mauritius, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Uganda, Canada, the United States, and Egypt.
ANSI: Spearheading Proactive Digital Diplomacy
Taking the floor before the delegates, Ms.Anne-RachelInné, Director General of the National Agency for Information Society (ANSI), issued a call for togetherness:
“We can no longer be content with a defensive posture. It is time to act, together. This symposium must mark the transition from cooperation in principle to an operational regional cyber-alliance.”
She emphasized three key pillars of Niger’s strategy: the development of sovereign infrastructures, the strengthening of local talent capacities, and the consolidation of regional and multilateral partnerships.
From AfricaCERT’s side, its Executive Director, Mr. Jean-Robert Hountomey, praised Niger’s commitment and the leadership of ANSI:
“What we are building here goes beyond the event itself. We are laying the Foundations of African digital solidarity. A connected Africa, yes, but one connected within itself, based on its own standards, its own infrastructures, and its own priorities.”
He also highlighted the importance of practical exercises, crisis simulations, and thematic working groups as ways to strengthen the collective preparedness of African states against growing digital threats.
The event continued with high-level plenary discussions, including remarks from Nigerien government representatives, a joint session with ministries from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and contributions from AfricaCERT leadership.
Discussions, Panels, and presentations highlighted key themes such as: Creation and management of Computer Security Incident Response Teams, Cyber crisis management, modern Internet standards, and the maturity of Security Operations Centers (SOC) across Africa, integrating artificial intelligence into Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and Harmonization of African cybersecurity standards, including adopting international standards better suited to African realities; Governance of the Domain Name System (DNS); Responsibilities and strategic role of Data Protection Officers (DPOs); Management of digital evidence within African judicial systems; Development of cyber skills among young professionals; Combatting disinformation and digital manipulation.
Over three days, participants engaged in specialized workshops and training sessions, including Building an Effective Cyber Incident Response Team, Security Operations and Threat Intelligence, Industrial Control System Security, and Digital Forensics. A key highlight was the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, featuring realistic cybersecurity incident simulations, including a mobile banking breach and a ransomware attack on a telecom provider. These practical exercises enhanced participants’ incident response and threat-hunting skills.
The AfricaCERT Handshake Conference reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening cybersecurity cooperation, expanding technical expertise, and advancing continental standards for a safer digital Africa.
The Niamey Declaration – Building African Digital Sovereignty.
The event, which drew over 300 participants, concluded with the Niamey Declaration. The Niamey Declaration aims to build strong, inclusive, and resilient African digital sovereignty by strengthening stakeholders’ capacities, promoting cooperation, and positioning the continent as a major player in the digital revolution. It serves as a jointly developed roadmap, driven by a shared determination to build a safer, more sovereign, and more united African digital space.
About AfricaCERT
AfricaCERT (African Forum of Computer Emergency Response Teams) is the continental platform for collaboration among national and sectoral CERTs, CSIRTs, and cybersecurity stakeholders across Africa. Its mission is to enhance cybersecurity readiness and response capabilities through coordination, training, and information sharing.
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Communications Office – AfricaCERT
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