The Cyber Africa Forum (CAF) will hold its sixth edition on November 16 and 17, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin, under the theme "Building Tomorrow’s Digital Trust.”
This edition will focus on five major areas: artificial intelligence and digital sovereignty, cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy, financing the digital economy, digital identity, and talent and creative industries.
Cybersecurity: A Strategic Challenge for Africa
As the continent accelerates the digitalization of public administration, financial services and commercial transactions, the growing number of cyber threats is making digital trust an increasingly critical issue.
According to figures cited in the Forum’s presentation, artificial intelligence is now involved in 55% of reported cybercrimes in Africa. Reported financial losses are estimated to have risen from $192 million in 2024 to $484 million in 2025.
In the financial sector, 97% of respondents to the African Financial Industry Barometer, conducted by Deloitte and the Africa Financial Summit (AFIS), consider cybersecurity a regulatory priority.
The rollout of digital identity systems, the growth of electronic payments and the expansion of trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have made securing digital transactions essential.
CAF 2026 aims to contribute to this discussion by bringing together experts, institutions and business leaders to explore solutions to these challenges.
Five Key Areas to Explore Digital Transformation
Artificial intelligence governance will be among the main topics of discussion. Participants will examine the conditions required for the responsible and sovereign use of this technology, while assessing the progress made after several years of adoption.
Discussions will also address crises of trust in cyberspace, data breaches, cyberattacks targeting public administrations and disinformation. Particular attention will be paid to cyber diplomacy and the limitations of international regulations in addressing these threats.
Financing Africa’s digital economy will form another major part of the agenda, with discussions focusing on investment priorities, associated risks and the security of digital payments.
Digital identity challenges will also be examined, particularly vulnerabilities arising from data centralization and the safeguards needed to ensure adequate protection.
Finally, the Forum will highlight talent development, women's participation in technology and the creative industries.
The program will notably feature the Cyber Africa Women and "She Leads” initiatives, alongside discussions on the applications of artificial intelligence in fashion, music, sports and the arts, with the participation of the Ministers of Culture of Benin and Rwanda.
HackerLab and Creative Industries Take Center Stage
Alongside the conferences, several initiatives will strengthen the Forum’s practical dimension.
Organized by the Agency for Information Systems and Digital Technology (ASIN) in partnership with CAF, HackerLabwill bring together 80 finalists for a 48-hour cybersecurity competition, taking place from November 15 to 17 at the Golden Tulip.
The Tech 4 Creative Industries program will explore the applications of artificial intelligence in the cultural and artistic sectors.
The College of Experts will also contribute to discussions on the continent’s major digital challenges.
According to Ange Koua, Editorial Director of the Cyber Africa Forum, this edition should enable participants to leave with concrete insights and new opportunities for collaboration.
The stated ambition is to turn discussions into recommendations, partnerships and initiatives capable of supporting Africa’s digital transformation over the long term.