The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged member states to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovations to find solutions to the regions security challenges.
Speaking at the opening session of the a Consultative Seminar on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity for Security, Cooperation and Resilience in Nairobi, the authority said the region faces complex security challenges, which also provide an opportunity for innovation through AI and cybersecurity solutions.
“Across our IGAD region, we face complex security challenges, and these range from transnational crime and terrorism to cybercrime and border management gaps.
“I challenge us all to become active architects of our region's digital security future,” IGAD executive secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu.
He noted that while there are innovations that are already helping in these areas, more still needs to be done, as the region continues face challenges on the same.
“Cyberattacks account for 68% of successful breaches across our African continent. It is very evident that criminal networks are increasingly targeting law enforcement databases, while terrorist organisations are exploiting our weak digital defences.”
Gebeyehu said the Horn of Africa can lead in responsible AI deployment for security, with projections showing that by 2035, AI could contribute about 180 billion dollars to the region’s GDP and create at least 2.5 million jobs.
“The projections show that we need 500,000 AI and cybersecurity professionals by 2030, and yet we are training fewer than 15,000 annually. This skills gap is a serious threat to our digital sovereignty and national security,” he said.
IGAD called for the establishment of regional AI ethics protocols for law enforcement, shared cybersecurity standards, and cross-border incident response mechanisms.
Gebeyehu also noted the need for an IGAD Digital Security Skills Initiative, training cybersecurity experts and establishing AI centres of excellence in each member state, as well as creation of the IGAD AI Security Innovation Fund to support startups focused on addressing these challenges.
ICT and Digital economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo who participated in the opening ceremony of the three day seminar said the cyber threats facing the region are increasingly transnational, sophisticated, and borderless.
He noted that cybercrime, misinformation, data breaches, and the potential weaponisation of AI tools pose a serious threat to peace, economic stability, and democratic institutions.
“These are not challenges any one nation can solve alone. They require a coordinated, well-governed, and regionally integrated response,” the CS said.
Kabogo added that a cybersecurity breach in one IGAD country can ripple across borders.
“We must harmonize cybersecurity frameworks, develop interoperable digital protocols, and build trust-based mechanisms for real-time intelligence sharing and cyber incident response.”
He reiterated the government of Kenya’s support for IGAD’s efforts to develop a regional compact on AI governance, as well as its vision and mission.
Norway Ambassador to Kenya, Gunnar Holm, in his remarks said that while technological advancements come with their own sets of risks, they must be addressed through regional platforms and partnerships.
He said the seminar will address the most urgent and strategic questions the world faces today.
"It is my hope that this event may contribute towards a regional vision for cybersecurity and AI governance - one that respects human rights, interoperability and empowers institutions and communities to manage both risks and opportunities effectively," Holm added.
