The ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the German Federal Foreign Office, the European Union, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Global Forum for Cyber Expertise (GFCE), organized a workshop on Confidence Building Measures (CBMs). The event took place from June 3 to 4, 2024, in Accra, Ghana, and included representatives from Ministries responsible for Digital Economy/ICT and Foreign Affairs.
This workshop is a significant element of the Joint Platform for Advancing Cyber Security in West Africa. Its main goal is to enable the ECOWAS Commission and Member States to develop and implement CBMs essential for enhancing cyber resilience within the region. This initiative aims to strengthen the collective digital community.
Colonel Anorph Barnabas Akanbong, Director of Training at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), highlighted cybersecurity's evolving importance in his welcoming address. He noted its transition from a technical concern to a political issue affecting modern society at various levels, including cybercrime and military operations. He emphasized regional collaboration's importance and urged participants to devise practical solutions to security challenges in shared cyberspace.
Ms. Folake Olagunju, Principal Programme Officer for Internet, Cybersecurity & E-applications, delivered a welcome address on behalf of Mr. Sédiko Douka, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation of the ECOWAS Commission. She praised progress made in developing CBMs for the region and urged participants to work towards establishing a formal CBM framework across ECOWAS Member States. She stressed CBMs' crucial role in fostering resilience and stability in the digital domain by promoting transparency, cooperation, and information sharing.
Ms. Pauline Otkens Head of Political Section representing the German Ambassador to Ghana acknowledged global complexities in securing cyberspace. She noted that participants' presence underscored their collective commitment to addressing pressing cybersecurity challenges collaboratively. She stated that this meeting represents an essential step toward fostering increased trust and cooperation. Implementing initial CBMs will significantly enhance cybersecurity and resilience in the region.
The workshop concluded with participants committing to practical measures for building confidence, capacities, and cooperation at national and regional levels to reduce risks stemming from cyberspace threats.
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