In an unprecedented move aimed at unifying efforts and strengthening cross-border regional coordination across Africa and the Arab world to enhance digital sovereignty, Mercury Communications, the organizer of CAISEC ’26 Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition, has signed a strategic partnership with Smart Africa, the hosting organization of the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA) Secretariat, alongside the Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization (AICTO), affiliated with the League of Arab States.
The partnership will establish a unified Arab-African approach capable of keeping pace with the complexities of the global cyber landscape while enhancing collective readiness to confront cross-border threats. It comes at a critically important time, as cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of economic and political stability and the protection of nations’ critical infrastructure.
Under this partnership, CAISEC ’26 will host a high-level roundtable titled: “Securing the Future: Arab and African Perspectives on Cybersecurity”. Bringing together representatives from 22 Arab and African countries, alongside cybersecurity leaders, experts, policymakers, and representatives from regional and international organizations involved in digital transformation and cybersecurity, the roundtable centers on shaping a shared strategic vision for addressing future cyber threats, particularly amid the growing impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on both cyberattacks and defense mechanisms. It establishes the first official institutional dialogue between the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA) and Arab cybersecurity stakeholders, opening the door to joint cooperation programs in capacity building, threat intelligence sharing, investment in digital trust, and the development of human capabilities capable of leading the future of cybersecurity across both regions.
Ossama Kamal, CEO of Mercury Communications, described the partnership as a landmark strategic step toward establishing a long-term Arab-African cooperation framework in cybersecurity, at a time when rapidly shifting digital and geopolitical realities demand stronger, more alliances.
“CAISEC has established itself over the years as an influential regional platform for strategic dialogue fostering cooperation between governments, institutions, and the private sector in ways that support digital stability, protect critical infrastructure, and strengthen the preparedness of national economies for future challenges,” he said
For his part, Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor, Secretary General of the Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization (AICTO), welcomed the new phase of cooperation with CAISEC following four years of fruitful partnership with a highly influential regional platform. “This edition of CAISEC reflects a unique strategic expansion,” he said, “visible through the distinguished participation cybersecurity decision-makers from Africa and Europe.”
Mr. Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, stressed that the future of cybersecurity across Africa and the Arab world depends on collective action and unified visions, calling the partnership a pivotal step toward a safer and more resilient digital space. He further noted that cybersecurity has become a strategic necessity for enhancing digital trust, protecting critical infrastructure, and creating a secure environment that supports innovation, investment, and sustainable digital transformation across the continent.
The fifth edition of CAISEC ’26 will take place on June 8–9 under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and with the support of Eng. Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, under the theme: “Securing the Future and Insuring Against the Unknown.”
