The Africa CyberFest 2024 brought together tech enthusiasts, policymakers, and cybersecurity experts to discuss strategies for combating cybercrime in Africa and globally.
This two-day event, held on May 17-18 at the Zone Conference Center in Lagos, saw a significant turnout of Nigerian youths eager to engage with and address the growing menace of cybercrime.
Here are 5 takeaways from the conference, themed “Youth-Focused Approach to Tackling Cybercrime.”
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The Role of Parenting in Cybercrime Prevention
During her keynote address, Mrs Jamila Akaaga Ade, Head of the Cybercrime Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, highlighted the pivotal role of intentional parenting in mitigating cybercrime. “Intentional parenting is key,” she emphasised, noting that the family forms the bedrock of society and significantly influences children’s futures. Mrs Ade called for reviving traditional values and morals to curb the rising tide of cybercrime among youths.
Federal Ministry of Justice’s Efforts
Mrs Ade detailed the initiatives by the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMoJ) to strengthen Nigeria’s legal framework on cybercrime, ensuring alignment with international standards and effective prosecution of cybercriminals. She stressed the importance of preventive measures, citing last year’s Cybercrime Awareness campaign in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and Cybersecurity Education Initiative (CYSED) to educate high school students about the Cybercrime Act and criminalised behaviours.
International Collaboration
Tim Galvin, Africa Cyber Programme Manager, underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling cybercrime. He highlighted partnerships with global security agencies like the FBI and Interpol, emphasising that cybercrime requires an international response. Galvin noted the rapid digitization in Africa and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to keep pace with this growth.
Changing the Narrative Around Nigerian Cybercrime
Speakers at the conference, including Patrick Essien and Olumayowa Akinkuehinmi, discussed the negative stereotypes associated with Nigeria due to cybercrime. They urged Nigerians to build trust and change the country’s narrative by portraying themselves positively and combating cybercrime effectively. Akinkuehinmi shared personal experiences of discrimination abroad and called for collective efforts to improve Nigeria’s image.
Empowering Youth Through Initiatives
Moses Joshua, Co-founder and Executive Director of CYSED and organiser of Africa CyberFest, expressed gratitude to the youths who participated in the event.
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He called for government support for initiatives like CyberFest to empower young people and harness their talents for economic growth. “If we can use these numbers well, Africa will not just be on the global map of excellence but will achieve greatness for the next generation,” Joshua stated.
Africa CyberFest 2024 provided a crucial platform for discussing cybercrime and cybersecurity, emphasising the need for a collective, youth-led approach to tackling these issues.
With continued collaboration between governments, international bodies, and the youth, Africa can make significant strides in combating cybercrime and enhancing its digital future.