IGAD leaders want member countries to spend money on artificial intelligence technology for solving regional security problems. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu spoke at the Nairobi cybersecurity seminar about complex threats facing Horn of Africa nations. Criminal groups launch cyberattacks that succeed 68 percent of the time across African countries. Terrorist organizations target weak digital defenses and law enforcement computer systems. Border control gaps create more opportunities for transnational crime networks.
Economic projections show AI could add 180 billion dollars to regional economies and create 2.5 million jobs. The area needs 500,000 trained cybersecurity workers before 2030 but only trains 15,000 people each year. This skills shortage threatens digital independence and national safety across IGAD states. Gebeyehu called for regional ethics rules and shared security standards between countries. He wants cross-border response teams and training centers for cybersecurity experts.
Kenya Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said cyber threats cross national boundaries without regard for borders. Criminal activities, false information campaigns, and data theft damage peace and economic stability. Democratic institutions face serious risks from weaponized AI tools and sophisticated attacks. Nations cannot fight these problems alone and need coordinated regional responses. Norway Ambassador Gunnar Holm praised the seminar for addressing urgent technology governance questions.
Economic projections show AI could add 180 billion dollars to regional economies and create 2.5 million jobs. The area needs 500,000 trained cybersecurity workers before 2030 but only trains 15,000 people each year. This skills shortage threatens digital independence and national safety across IGAD states. Gebeyehu called for regional ethics rules and shared security standards between countries. He wants cross-border response teams and training centers for cybersecurity experts.
Kenya Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said cyber threats cross national boundaries without regard for borders. Criminal activities, false information campaigns, and data theft damage peace and economic stability. Democratic institutions face serious risks from weaponized AI tools and sophisticated attacks. Nations cannot fight these problems alone and need coordinated regional responses. Norway Ambassador Gunnar Holm praised the seminar for addressing urgent technology governance questions.
