Board of Directors
Dr. Pape Cissé
CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ambassador Omar Arouna
Co-Founder & Chairman
Our Vision
The vision of the Center for Cyber Diplomacy and Leadership (CCDL) is centered around enhancing cybersecurity understanding and practices among African leaders. The CCDL seeks to educate and empower these leaders, providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively address cyber threats and integrate cybersecurity into their national security strategies. CCDL aims to bridge the knowledge and awareness gap between African decision-makers and their technical teams.
This initiative aims to foster an environment where African leaders are well-informed and proactive in dealing with cybersecurity challenges, thereby strengthening the overall digital resilience and security of their nations. It emphasizes the critical need for understanding cybersecurity challenges and integrating these into the political agenda for effective solution implementation and cyber diplomacy.
The Audience
The CCDL focuses on these decision-makers to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity challenges and equip them with the knowledge required to support and implement effective cybersecurity strategies within their respective nations.
The target audience of the Center for Cyber Diplomacy and Leadership (CCDL) includes high-ranking African leaders. This elite group is pivotal in shaping policies and strategies that govern the security and diplomatic relations of nations.
- Heads of African States
- Heads of Governments
- Ministers and Cabinet Members
- Ambassadors
- Senior Government Officials
- Heads of agencies
- Managing directors
- Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
- Policy Advisors and Analysts
- Representatives of Regional Organizations
- Private Sector Executives
- Academic and Research Institutions
- Military and Defense Officials
- Law Enforcement Officials
Engagement
The corporate engagement opportunities for CCDL primarily involve sponsorship and partnership models. Corporations like Google can engage by sponsoring CCDL’s initiatives or entering partnerships for collaborative projects. These engagements offer corporations visibility and association with pioneering efforts in cybersecurity education and diplomacy in Africa. Such partnerships are mutually beneficial, as they allow corporations to contribute to an important cause while gaining insights and connections in the emerging African cybersecurity landscape.
CCDL collaborations involves joint educational initiatives, co-sponsored cybersecurity events or workshops, and shared research and development projects. These partnerships can leverage the expertise and resources of both CCDL and the corporations to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices.
CCDL actively engage with international bodies, fostering connections with the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and other regional entities. This engagement empowers our participants to build diplomatic relationships on a global scale, contributing to Africa’s influence in international affairs.
Our Tools
1. Cybersecurity Awareness Presentations: These are 45 minutes to 2-hour sessions aimed at African States and Heads of Government. They are integrated into official programs of continental or regional head of state summits (e.g., AU, ECOWAS) and also held regularly alongside these summits.
2. Seminars and Tabletop Exercises: Designed for a broader audience including Ministers, High-level Leaders, Ambassadors, Heads of Agencies, and Directors of African Multinational Agencies. These events are similar in style to Davos conferences, offering in-depth discussions and practical exercises.
3. Leadership and Cyber Diplomacy Training: These are structured, academic-style training sessions for Ministers, High-level Leaders, Ambassadors, Heads of Agencies, and Directors of African Multinational Agencies. They focus on equipping technical leaders with the skills necessary for effective cyber diplomacy.
4. Policy Talks on Cyber Diplomacy: These sessions focus on critical topics like the challenges posed by the ‘Big Four’ nation-state bad actors in cyberspace. They emphasize the importance of establishing a dedicated cyber diplomat position within a country’s diplomatic corps. Such a role would be central to navigating the complex landscape of international cyber threats and fostering effective cyber diplomacy. These talks aim to guide policy formulation and strategic decision-making in cybersecurity at the national and international levels.
All these programs are tailored to the diverse needs of African leaders, policymakers, and professionals, enhancing their capabilities in cybersecurity policy, diplomacy, and national digital security strategies, ensuring the security and resilience of their countries in the digital age
The CCDL is uniquely positioned to address the escalating cyber threats in Africa. It proposes a mix of theory and practice, creating a space for exchange and discussion among African government officials. In partnership with institutions like George Washington University, CCDL intends to provide training and technical assistance. The center’s approach is distinct, leveraging cutting-edge technology and methodologies to educate about emerging threats.
In summary, CCDL’s mission is to enhance cyber resilience in African governance through education, partnerships, and innovative approaches to cyber diplomacy, fulfilling a vital need in the ever-evolving digital landscape.