• Over 1,000 participants meet in Cotonou to address Africa’s rising cyber risks

• Forum calls for stronger resilience as digital threats hurt African economies

• Benin hosts the event, seen as a leader in digital transformation and cybersecurity

The fifth edition of the Cyber Africa Forum (CAF) opened Today, June 24, in Benin. This year’s event is being held under the theme, “Strengthening Digital Resilience: A Call for a New Mindset” with more than 1,000 participants expected at the Sofitel Hotel in Cotonou.

“The facts are clear. Systemic cyberthreats take a bigger toll on Africa’s GDP every year. How can we expect to face these new threats if we have not first built the right defenses? That is why we are here in Cotonou, to make resilience a shared reflex for all of us,” said Franck Kié, founder of the CAF and commissioner for this fifth edition, during the opening ceremony.

For two days, government officials, private sector leaders, technical experts, regulators, and international partners will meet to discuss Africa’s critical cybersecurity challenges. The agenda includes expert panels and business-to-business meetings to promote concrete solutions.

Benin’s selection as host is no coincidence. The country has stood out in recent years for its commitment to digital transformation and cybersecurity, including setting up specialized institutions, regulatory frameworks, and public awareness programs.

In her opening remarks, Benin’s Minister of Digital Affairs, Aurélie Adam Soulé Zoumarou, stressed the need to put people at the center of the fight against cyberthreats. “If there is a change of mindset to make, this is it. People are the first firewall against cybercrime,” she stated.

CAF 2025 comes at a time of rapid digital growth across Africa. Cyberthreats are increasing as essential digital services expand in sectors like finance, healthcare, public administration, and education.

According to US consulting firm Kearney, the continent needs an additional $4.2 billion per year in cybersecurity investment to strengthen its defenses against cyberattacks.

Through this year’s forum, CAF aims to speed up the creation of a safer, more sovereign, and inclusive African cyberspace.