IGF 2024 Open Forum #46 Africa in CyberDiplomacy: Multistakeholder Engagement

Background
In the contemporary era, cyberspace serves as a transformative force, knitting together a cohesive global community by transcending traditional national boundaries and nurturing intricate socio-economic, environmental, and technological linkages among societies worldwide.

In the African context, a substantial digital revolution is unfolding, marked by increasing connectivity and technological progressions that fundamentally transform economies, social dynamics, and governance frameworks. Projections from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google suggest that Africa's digital economy is set to make substantial contributions, with expected values reaching $180 billion by 2025 and a remarkable surge to $712 billion by 2050. Nevertheless, this swift advancement in digital transformation also brings forth a host of challenges, spanning from escalating cyber threats and digital inequalities to the intricacies of regulatory structures.

According to insights from a USAID Cybersecurity Briefer, cybersecurity will emerge as the foremost menace to the global economy in the forthcoming decade. Current estimations anticipate that the global toll of cybercrime could surpass a staggering $8 trillion by 2023, surpassing the gross domestic product of all but two nations—the United States and the People's Republic of China. Moreover, projections suggest an unabated escalation of cybercrime in the coming years, potentially reaching an unprecedented $23.84 trillion by 2027. In parallel, cybercrime inflicts substantial costs on Africa, with an annual toll of $4 billion contributing to a global figure of $450 billion. Notable examples include the South African economy, facing an annual burden of $570 million, Nigeria with $500 million, and Kenya with $36 million.

Given the context of these challenges, effective cyber diplomacy emerges as a critical imperative for African nations to protect their interests, promote regional collaboration, and actively participate in global cyber governance mechanisms. Cooperation at the national, regional, and international levels is fundamental for driving digital transformation, a cornerstone in realizing the African Union's 2063 vision for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Cyberspace fundamentally transforms the landscape of statecraft, influencing economic paradigms, societal dynamics, security frameworks, and international relations. Various international processes are currently underway to improve the global response to cyber threats and promote digital trust and security in accordance with the principles outlined in the Global Digital Compact (GDC). These processes include the development of norms and principles that aim to foster confidence-building measures and enhance cooperation in cyber security. The United Nations is leading several initiatives, such as the Intergovernmental Expert Group on Cybercrime (IEG), the Ad Hoc Committee for Developing a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering Information and Communication Technology for Criminal Purposes, and the United Nations Open Ended Working Groups (OEWGs) and Governmental Expert Groups (GGEs).

These multilateral processes are ‘consensus-driven, action-oriented and transparent dialogue between states, more multi-stakeholder engagement and acknowledges the importance of capacity building and reliable coordinated efforts’. Engaging actively in these dialogues concerning international norms, rules, and principles governing cyberspace empowers African nations to champion inclusive and equitable approaches that cater to the continent's distinctive needs and challenges.

Objective

This session will explore Africa's growing significance in global cyber diplomacy, emphasizing its crucial role in the continent's sustainable development and security through meaningful multistakeholder engagement. Additionally, it provides a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and strategize the advancement of African cyber diplomacy. This involves adopting a systematic and collaborative approach to establish Points of Contact (PoCs), Programme of Action (PoA), and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to bolster digital trust and security continent-wide.

The discussion will delve into the challenges, and potential opportunities linked with implementing UN normative frameworks within the African context. Moreover, Showcases successful examples of multistakeholder collaboration in cyber diplomacy within the African context. Analyse case studies to extract actionable insights and identify best practices that can be adapted and replicated across the continent.

The session will be moderated by two individuals, one onsite and one online, and will feature a total of six discussants, with representation both onsite and online.

To ensure a balanced and interactive session, speakers will alternate between onsite and remote participants. The onsite moderator will introduce the onsite speakers, followed by the online moderator introducing the remote speakers. This segment will take a total of 10 minutes. Each speaker will then have 5 minutes to provide context for their segment of the topic, totalling 32 minutes. Following this, there will be dynamic interaction from participants both at the venue and online, including Q&A sessions, interactive polling, lasting 43 minutes. A 5-minute period will be allocated for the onsite moderator to summarize key takeaways and wrap up the session.

We'll utilize online tools like Mentimeter for real-time polls, Q&A activities, and interactive engagement. Our goal is to create an environment conducive to active dialogue, ensuring equal opportunities for both onsite and online participants to share perspectives and contribute to the discussion.