The stage was set in Kigali, Rwanda, as the 6th Edition of the Africa Cyber Defense Forum (ACDF2025) convened from 29 September to 3 October 2025, uniting global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators under the theme “Towards a Secure and Sovereign Digital Africa.”

Ahead of the main forum, on 29 – 30 September 2025, AFRALTI hosted a specialized workshop: “Enabling Capacity and Adoption of RF Spectrum Sharing for Africa.” This timely session underscored the critical intersection between spectrum management and cybersecurity. With spectrum being the backbone of digital connectivity, effective sharing and coordination directly influence the resilience and security of Africa’s digital infrastructure. By equipping regulators and technical leaders with the tools to optimize spectrum use, AFRALTI helped lay the foundation for stronger cybersecurity defenses showcased during the Forum.

The Forum itself provided a platform for organizations to showcase end-to-end technology solutions, highlight innovations, and share best practices across sectors, from government to healthcare, finance to retail. Delegates engaged in executive keynotes, fireside chats, and thematic sessions, alongside Africa’s premier cybersecurity competition, the Cyberlympics.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Gilbert Nyandeje, CEO and Founder of ACDF, emphasized Africa’s urgent need for homegrown cybersecurity solutions: “We must manage our own digital infrastructure. As AI rises, Africa needs tailored solutions that strengthen cybersecurity. Regional collaboration is key.”

Mr. William Baraza, Chairman of the ACDF Advisory Board, echoed this sentiment, calling for African-led, practical solutions, especially in AI, and urging governments, regional bodies, and partners to work together in harmonizing policies and frameworks.

Delivering a keynote, Dr. Emmanuel Chifuel Manasseh, ITU Regional Director, stressed the importance of regional cooperation and global partnerships to safeguard Africa’s digital sovereignty in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.

The Forum was also honored by the presence of Mr. John Omo, Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), who highlighted the dangers of fragmented efforts: “Working separately weakens our ability to contain incidents, track transboundary attacks, and support each other in times of crisis. The reality is that cyberthreats do not observe national borders. Without policy alignment, the risks we face are amplified, and our response capacity remains divided.”

Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda, officially opened ACDF2025, reminding participants of the continent’s collective responsibility: “We must take charge of our digital future. Responsible AI governance, sustainable financing, and scaled-up digital skills are key to building a secure and sovereign digital Africa.”

She emphasized the importance of inclusion, accountability, and measurable progress, ensuring that Africa’s digital transformation benefits all communities while safeguarding against future threats.

The 6th Edition of ACDF reaffirmed its role as a continental platform for advancing cybersecurity strategies, strengthening cooperation, and inspiring African driven innovation. By combining high level dialogue with practical knowledge sharing, ACDF2025 has paved the way for a more secure, resilient, and sovereign digital Africa.