The African School of Internet Governance is a regular pre-event training that takes place before the African IGF to create awareness and build practical skills in Internet, ICT and Data Governance for civil society, the public and private sectors. This year it was held in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania from 23 to 28 May, 2025 and was attended by a wide variety of international and African stakeholders.
Dr Katherine Getao represented the DiploFoundation at the event and delivered a presentation titled “Cybersecurity and Cybercrime in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.” In her remarks, she highlighted the rapid growth and penetration of digital technologies across Africa, underscoring the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and effective responses to the increasing risks of cybercrime. She further noted that these challenges also create opportunities—particularly in promoting youth employment and fostering dynamic businesses offering cybersecurity services.
Dr Getao emphasised the importance of African engagement in global policy processes, such as the Geneva Dialogue, which offer platforms for African stakeholders to engage with emerging issues, contribute regional perspectives, and help shape international policies to reflect the continent’s digital realities.
Previously, Dr Getao served as Kenya’s representative to the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (UNGGE) on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security, contributing to the negotiation of the UN norms for responsible State behaviour in cyberspace.
She also participated in a dynamic panel discussion on how the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) can be leveraged to advance African priorities. The African School on Internet Governance proved to be a valuable space for promoting the objectives of both the DiploFoundation and the Geneva Dialogue.
