The International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) is underway at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together more than 300 delegates from 50 countries to discuss the growing impact of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence on Africa’s defence and security.
The high-level conference has brought together policymakers, defence and security experts, technology leaders, researchers and strategic partners under the theme, “The Rise of Autonomous Systems: Implications for Defence and Security in Africa.”
Speaking at the conference, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, urged African countries to invest in knowledge, institutions and technological capabilities to ensure the continent can benefit from advances in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems while protecting its security and sovereignty.
“Africa must not be left behind as technology continues to advance. We need to invest in knowledge, institutions and capabilities that will enable us to harness these technologies while safeguarding our security and sovereignty,” Nduhungirehe said.
The call was echoed by Lt Gen (Rtd) Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, Secretary-General of ISCA, who stressed that the security sector must keep pace with rapid technological developments taking place across other sectors.
“The security sector should not be left behind while other sectors are moving forward with the use of advanced technologies that are bringing transformative changes,” Lt Gen (Rtd) Kamanzi said during the opening of the conference in Kigali.»
The discussions come at a time when autonomous technologies are increasingly influencing the global security landscape, with applications ranging from intelligence and surveillance to border security, cybersecurity and other defence operations.
Kamanzi’s remarks highlight the need for African security institutions to understand and adapt to emerging technologies while ensuring that their use remains responsible, secure and aligned with national and continental interests.
The conference is expected to strengthen cooperation among African countries and their international partners by encouraging the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices on emerging security technologies.
It will also provide a platform for policymakers and experts to examine both the opportunities and risks associated with autonomous systems, including accountability, regulation, cybersecurity and the protection of national sovereignty.
Through these discussions, ISCA aims to contribute to a more coordinated African approach to emerging technologies and help countries build the human capital, institutions and strategic capabilities needed to respond to future security challenges.
The Kigali meeting underscores the growing importance of technology in Africa’s security agenda and the need for the continent to play an active role in shaping how artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are developed, governed and used.
