Africa’s biggest celebration of digital innovation is almost here. Africa Tech Festival 2025, now in its 28th edition, will take place from November 11 to 13 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
The event will bring together over 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. This year’s edition will zero in on cybersecurity and cloud resilience, two critical areas in Africa’s expanding digital economy.
Beyond security, ATF 2025 will also highlight themes like responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonization. These discussions aim to shape how Africa can build a more connected, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystem.
Cybersecurity Takes Center Stage
While Africa’s digital transformation has been impressive, it has also created new opportunities for cyber threats. Reports show that 90% of African countries need stronger law enforcement capacity to respond effectively to cybercrime.
Yet, only 30% have proper incident reporting systems, 29% maintain digital evidence repositories, and a mere 19% operate cyber threat intelligence databases.
Attacks like phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise (BEC) continue to target both public and private sectors, and with limited cybersecurity infrastructure, the continent remains a prime target for cybercriminals.
“Cybersecurity is no longer an individual concern for organizations; it’s a shared responsibility across all sectors,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival.
Key Sessions
One of the most anticipated sessions this year is the keynote fireside chat titled “State of Cybersecurity in Africa: Threats, Gaps & Opportunities,” set for Tuesday, November 11.
The discussion will look at Africa’s biggest security risks and how collaboration between governments and enterprises can improve readiness and regulation.
Another important session, “The Quantum Threat Is Now: Rethinking Encryption Before It’s Too Late,” will explore the risks of quantum computing to today’s encryption standards and offer insights on how organizations can prepare for the post-quantum era.
On Wednesday, November 12, the spotlight turns to inclusion with “Empowering Women in Cybersecurity: Breaking Barriers and Building Leadership.”
Over the years, Africa Tech Festival has earned a reputation as a space where CISOs, cybersecurity professionals, and digital policymakers can share real-world experiences and strategies.
This year’s festival promises more impactful discussions, covering everything from cyber resilience and innovation to infrastructure, investment, and workforce development. To explore the full cybersecurity program, visit the Africa Tech Festival 2025 Agenda.
