Maureen Owusu-Addae
Internet Governance & Cybersecurity Advocate | GhanaSIG EC President | Chief of Staff LANEF | CEO DNS Africa Research Center | Assistant Chief Educational Director DNS Africa Media and Communications
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Maureen Owusu-Addae is an Internet governance and cybersecurity advocate committed to advancing inclusive, secure, and trustworthy digital ecosystems across Africa. She serves as President of the Ghana School on Internet Governance (GhanaSIG) Executive Committee and Chief of Staff at the Ladies Network for Economic Freedom (LANEF). Her work focuses on cybersecurity awareness, digital inclusion, multistakeholder Internet governance, and strengthening the participation of women and underrepresented communities in digital policy processes. Maureen has contributed to regional and global Internet governance initiatives, participated in capacity-building programmes, and continues to champion community-centered approaches that translate Internet governance principles into practical impact for everyday Internet users.
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From Policy to Protection: Building Human-Centered Cybersecurity and Digital Trust Across Africa
From Policy to Protection: Building Human-Centered Cybersecurity and Digital Trust Across Africa
As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, cybersecurity has become a shared responsibility that extends far beyond technical experts. While many countries have adopted cybersecurity strategies, legislation, and national frameworks, millions of citizens, small businesses, women, youth, and vulnerable communities continue to face online fraud, cybercrime, misinformation, identity theft, and other digital risks without the knowledge or resources to protect themselves. This highlights a critical gap between policy development and meaningful protection for everyday Internet users.
This interactive multistakeholder workshop will explore how governments, the technical community, civil society, academia, the private sector, and youth can work together to build a stronger culture of cybersecurity awareness and digital trust across Africa. Participants will examine practical approaches to integrating cybersecurity education into digital inclusion initiatives, strengthening community resilience, improving digital literacy, and promoting safer online experiences while respecting human rights and fostering innovation.
The discussion will feature diverse stakeholder perspectives, encourage audience participation, and showcase examples of successful awareness initiatives from across the continent. Rather than focusing solely on technical solutions, the session will emphasize people-centered approaches that empower communities to safely participate in the digital economy and contribute to Africa's digital transformation.
Expected outcomes include practical recommendations for policymakers, civil society organizations, educators, and technical experts; opportunities for regional collaboration on cybersecurity awareness initiatives; and actionable ideas for strengthening digital trust as a foundation for an inclusive, secure, and resilient African Internet ecosystem.
From Participation to Leadership: Building Africa's Next Internet Leaders
Across Africa, women and young people are increasingly participating in Internet governance discussions, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles. Participation alone is not enough—we must intentionally create pathways that enable emerging leaders to influence digital policy, shape governance processes, and contribute to Africa's digital future.
This lightning talk explores how Internet governance schools, mentorship, fellowships, community organizations, and multistakeholder partnerships can help bridge the gap between participation and leadership. Drawing on practical experiences from capacity-building initiatives across Africa, the session will demonstrate how investing in diverse leadership strengthens digital inclusion, improves policy outcomes, and builds a more resilient Internet ecosystem.
The discussion will emphasize that meaningful inclusion goes beyond attendance at conferences. It requires sustained investment in leadership development, mentorship, and opportunities for women and youth to take active roles in national, regional, and global Internet governance processes. Participants will learn practical approaches that governments, civil society, academia, the technical community, and the private sector can adopt to cultivate the next generation of Internet governance leaders.
The session will conclude with a call to action for stakeholders to collaborate in creating inclusive leadership pathways that ensure Africa's digital future is shaped by diverse voices and lived experiences.
Maureen Owusu-Addae
Internet Governance & Cybersecurity Advocate | GhanaSIG EC President | Chief of Staff LANEF | CEO DNS Africa Research Center | Assistant Chief Educational Director DNS Africa Media and Communications
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