POST-EVENT REPORT

ASEC2022 POST-EVENT REPORT

PNYX was was particularly delighted to host the 9th Africa Security Symposium (ASEC2022) as our first in-person event in more than two years, taking place between the 16th – 18th May 2022. In our continued efforts to facilitate growing collaboration across the region, PNYX welcomed more than 300 participants from Government - including Ministries of Defence, Heads of Police, Heads of Armed Forces; UN agencies - MINURSO, MONUSCO, UNON, UNOAU, and International Organisations – the African Union, EASF Secretariat, IGAD, INTERPOL, SETAF-AF, CJTF-HOA and many more for a busy few days of high-level plenary sessions, keynote speeches, workshops, private afternoon 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings, and networking functions, to discuss lessons learned, current challenges and future priorities across the peace and stability spectrum on the African continent.

ASEC2022 Opening comments. Conference Chair, Amb. (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim ASEC2022 Welcoming Address. Lt. Gen. Francis Ogolla

PRE-EVENT: MONDAY 16 MAY

ASEC2022 speakers & sponsors were invited to a series of workshops beginning with a USAID Funding Workshop presented virtually by Matthew Johnson, Industry Liaison & Communications Director of USAID – the U.S. Agency for International Development. Participants learned how to work with USAID, about the Agency’s operations, key terminology, tips for submitting proposals, and funding opportunities. This session was followed by a Defence Attaché’s Workshop welcoming Deputies and Defence Attache colleagues from across the African continent for presentations, an open discussion and Q&A. Delegates discussed lessons learned, current challenges, and future priorities across the peace and stability spectrum as well as private sector support, looking at available solutions and how they might be implemented. Concluding ASEC2022’s pre-event day, delegates were able to unwind, network, and discuss the two days ahead at our Evening Networking Reception, enjoying drinks and canapes poolside, at the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Kijani Bar. The informal gathering also provided a prime opportunity for panelists to engage with their session Chairs ahead of the main two days of plenary conference sessions.

DAY 1: TUESDAY 17 MAY

ASEC2022 delegates commenced day one with networking tea and coffee whilst remaining participants registered for their welcome packs, before heading into the Hall of Africa for the Opening Ceremony. PNYX’s Managing Director, Andrew Dowell, was thrilled to greet all participants to our first live in-person event in more than two years, welcoming familiar and new faces to the event. Andrew encouraged all delegates to continue the momentum built in previous years of ASEC; to tackle the key issues around peace, security, stability, governance, and conflict but also setting the foundations to create a long-lasting partnership among public and private sector leaders. Next to take to the stage was Conference Chair, Amb. (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim, Former IGAD Executive Secretary and Former Permanent Secretary, Office of the President. Amb. Mahboub offered everyone a warm welcome, before remarking about the significance of dialogue and advancing new ways of collaborating and working together with different actors from public and private sector. Day 1 commenced with a Welcoming Address from Lieutenant General Francis Ogolla, Vice Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) who spoke about security being fueled by various interests coming from state and non-state actors, further fueled by profit motives of the industry, and by key owners of the industry. This was followed by an Opening Keynote Address given by Amb. William Azumah Awinador-Kanyirige, Senior Adviser - Governance & Peacebuilding; Office of the Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace & Security at the African Union Commission (AUC). Amb. Awinador-Kanyirige emphasized the need to build resilience on the national, regional, and continent level and the importance of resilience and dignity amidst backdrop of climate change, covid, and terrorism. Amb. AwinadorKanyirige spoke about balancing lessons of convergence and divergence to move forward together and leave nobody behind. He closed his opening statement by mentioning the importance of cooperation and alignment between African Union and ASEC on key priorities and areas.

ASEC2022

“THREATS OF TERRORISM, CONFLICTS ASSOCIATED WITH CLIMATE CHANGE, RESOURCE SCARCITY, AND CONTESTATIONS OF WORLD PLAYERS CONTINUE TO UNSETTLE THE EQUILIBRIUM THAT EXIST AND AS THE WORLD IS STILL COMING OUT OF A PANDEMIC”

“THE FOCUS AREAS OF ASEC ARE IN COMPLETE SYNCH AND COINCIDE WITH PRIORITIES OF THE AFRICAN UNION PARTICULARLY THE PEACE AND SECURITY DEPARTMENT”

Armscor’s Core Business

• Acquisition • Research and Development • Naval Dockyard

Armscor also offers border and maritime security solutions with the focus on: • Aerial surveillance • Sector scanning • Vertical take-off and landing surveillance

UAV

Armscor is geared towards taking the defence industry to the next level by building new sustainable pathways to unlock Africa’s defence growth potential.

Armscor – your partner in providing defence solutions

The Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor) is an acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence. Its mandate is to provide armed forces with the state-of-the-art defence matériel required to provide safety and security for South Africa, its citizens and the continent.

Armscor provides defence turnkey solutions and its research and development focuses on producing cutting-edge technology products. Its technologies have evolved from the defence sector to both commercial and domestic sectors.

Despite the changing socio-economic climate,

Armscor remains committed to support peacekeeping efforts that ensure peace and stability in African economies, and strengthen relations that further boost the continent’s development agenda.

For more information contact:

Corporate Communication division Private Bag X337, Pretoria, 0001, Republic of South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 1911 E-mail: Info@armscor.co.za www.armscor.co.za

ASEC2022 POST-EVENT REPORT

The first discussion panel of ASEC2022 explored Governance, National Security & Policing and was Chaired by Augustus Kamitu, Sales Director - Fixed Data Africa of SES, a Gold Event Sponsor. Panel 1 discussed how to deal with transnational organizational crime by looking at national and human security level. Panelists underlined the need for increased cooperation at the national, regional, and border level and the sharing of information and intelligence ideas, joint operations, tracking technologies, and investigations to promote a sense of security and achieve long-term stability and development. They also discussed the need to create an enabling environment, enhancing national security, and protecting citizens through collective effort, implementing preventative measures, approach the challenges in holistic way using regional security organizations.

Panel 1 was followed by a Keynote Address titled ‘Security Assistance Solutions – From Alaska to Africa’ by Michael Bradshaw, President of Jadin Tech, LLC, a Gold Event Sponsor. Mr. Bradshaw offered an overview on the company’s business model and cutting-edge expertise in critical areas such as Cybersecurity, Supply Chain Risk Management, Infrastructure and Logistics, Maritime Solutions, Construction, Munitions, Security Assistance, and Aviation Services. Following a short Networking Tea & Coffee Break came

Panel 2; Sustainable Logistics, Movement & Clearance

Chaired by Jason Trubenbach, Director - Expeditionary Logistics of Crowley Government Services, Bronze Event Sponsor. Jason introduced the panelists to discuss supply chain logistics, cross-border clearance processes and the quality of trade, infrastructure, and track and trace mechanisms. Speakers assessed some of the logistical challenges such as the lack of opportunity for logistics training and operations, customs processes, and relying on other entities to support security forces operations and exercises. Other challenges highlighted include working in remote areas, lack of infrastructure for a safe and quicker network, and the lack of available forms to procure technical equipment all to provide security for sustainable logistics. Nonetheless, several opportunities and solutions were outlined such usage of GIS mapping, satellite imagery and technology, vehicle tracking, and drones to better understand shipment process, logistical and shipment routes. Finally, panelists considered working with national authorities and humanitarian organizations that wish to deliver materials to dispersed places make sustainable working practices across the borders.

ASEC2022

“TO DEAL WITH TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME, WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND LEVEL OF ANALYSIS OF TOCS ON THE INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL, AND THE LEVEL OF HUMAN SECURITY”

“WE MUST SHARE INFORMATION AND INTELLIGENCE AS TRANSNATIONAL CRIME MOVES FROM ONE POINT TO ANOTHER, OFFICES MUST SHARE INTELLIGENCE AS IT IS TAKING PLACE”

“WE NEED MORE COOPERATION ACROSS BORDERS BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONS LOOKING AT WHOLE RANGE OF AREAS, BETTER REGIONAL METHODS FOR TRACING, AND STRENGTHENING OF DIGITALIZATION OF NATIONAL DATABASES”

“THE CHALLENGES FACED CANNOT BE TACKLED BY A SINGLE APPROACH, IT NEEDS A HOLISTIC APPROACH”

ASEC2022: Day 1 Opening Keynote. Amb. William Azumah Awinador-Kanyirige

ASEC2022: Panel 2

ASEC2022

“SUPPORTING SECURITY FORCES OPERATIONS IS UNIQUE IN THIS THEATRE AND OFTEN DONE ON A SMALLER SCALE THAN LARGE SCALE OPERATIONS AND BRIGADES IN EUROPE FOR EXERCISES AND DEPLOYMENT”

“WE KNOW WHAT WE WANT BUT WE DO NOT HAVE WHAT WE NEED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SECURITY OR TO BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN WHAT WE WANT TO SUPPLY TO OUR FORCES”

ASEC2022 POST-EVENT REPORT

Next on the agenda was a Keynote Address given by Lt. Gen. Jonah Mwangi, Vice Chancellor - National Defence University, Kenya on the importance of multilateralism, policy making, and building on lessons learned to improve doctrine and facilitate military practitioners and stakeholders to form an understanding and gain valuable insights on counter terrorism.

Closing the first day of panel discussions was Panel 3: Military Operations & Counterterrorism Efforts Chaired by Koos Joubert, Technical Adviser of DCD Protected Mobility, Silver Event Sponsor. The session centered on coordination, and alignments at the top and bottom level down to communities and using local approaches to prevent violent extremism. Panelists spoke about addressing counter terrorism efforts in terms capacity building of local security forces, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) action, and civil actions. They addressed some of the challenges which include lack of coordination between local, regional, and international operations, silent competition, and lack of resources to support local initiatives. Speakers provided some sustainable solutions which include developing a robust police force and developing a doctrine on the regional and continental level through diplomacy and development and other ongoing initiatives. Other solutions also include enhancing the capacity of national forces and security as they do not have the skills and equipment to protect the population and sovereignty. Panelists supported the discussion by providing examples of joint planning and operations with local development forces and strategy and tactical level synchronized with the government in Uganda, Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso.

After an informative day of discussions, delegates enjoyed a delightful Networking Lunch Break, continuing discussions ahead of the afternoon 1-2-1 ASEC Public-Private Sector Matchmaking Meetings. In the weeks leading up to the event, delegates were able to identify their preferred matchmaking meetings, through PNYX’s secure scheduling website. Pre-event, meeting schedules were finalized and confirmed to all participants to maximize potential outcomes of our personable format of 15-minute matchmaking meetings. Tuesday afternoon featured hundreds of one-toone meetings with many organizations taking back-to-back appointments throughout. Participants were quick to identify their value and praise their efficiency. PNYX also wanted to ensure all ASEC2022 delegates had the opportunity enjoy Nairobi which included an Event Dinner at the Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club. Participants were welcomed by warm ambience, local cuisines, and entertainment from a local Nairobi group for an evening of informal networking and discussion with likeminded colleagues.

ASEC2022

“THE THREATS OF TERRORISTS EXACERBATE THE FRAGILITY OF STATES SOME OF WHICH ARE GRAPPLING WITH THE DOMINO EFFECT OF OTHER CONTEMPORARY SECURITY THREATS”

ASEC2022

“WE MUST BUILD SUSTAINABLE CIVILIANS’ SOLUTIONS”

“SOME OF THE CHALLENGES WE ARE FACING INCLUDE LACK OF COORDINATION. EACH INITIATIVE SEEMS TO OPERATE ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT COLLABORATING WITH OTHER INITIATIVES”

“A MORE STABLE AND MORE PROSPEROUS AFRICA WILL ONLY ENHANCE U.S. SECURITY”

“WE SHOULD LOOK AT STABILIZATION AND VARIOUS INVESTMENT TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYMENT OF YOUTH AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN THE LONG TERM”

“WE MUST BUILD CAPACITY OF NATIONAL FORCES AND NATIONAL SECURITY ORGANS AS THEY DO NOT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT AND SKILLS TO COUNTER THIS AND PROTECT SOVEREIGN ORGANS”

ASEC2022: Panel 3

DAY 2: WEDNESDAY 18 MAY

After a pleasant evening at the Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club where guests enjoyed drinks and entertainment from a local Nairobi group, ASEC2022 delegates reunited for networking tea and coffee before returning to the Hall of Africa, for a warm welcome from Conference Chair, Amb. (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim. Without further ado, Day 2 begun with an Opening Address given by Amb. Dr. Zainab Ali Kotoko, Executive Secretary of CISSA – the AUC’s Committee of Intelligence & Security Services of Africa. Amb. Dr. Zainab Ali Kotoko emphasized on how transnational organized crime are posting threats to national and international security and stressed the imperative needs to develop robust regional, continental, and international approaches to address this. She touched on the development of cybercrime, industry and mobile technology, proliferation of cybercrime, processes organized crime, and maritime security, which grew during COVID-19, which saw government and private security going online globally. This was followed by a Keynote Address on Tackling violent riots with investigative analytics given by Ilana Fischer, Regional Marketing Manager for Africa of Cognyte, ASEC’s Official Keynote Speaker Sponsor. Ms. Fischer provided an overview on Cognyte’s security analytics software helping security organizations and governments with actionable insights to accelerate security investigations and successfully identify, neutralize, and prevent threats to national security, business continuity and cyber security. ASEC2022

“TRANS-NATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME AND VIOLENT EXTREMISM ARE INTERCONNECTED”

“CRIMINALS, TERRORISTS, ARMED INSURGENTS ARE PROFITING FROM CRIME AND THE ILLICIT TRAFFICKING ROUTES AND NETWORKS ARE MOVING PEOPLE AND PRODUCTS CREATING A FAULTLINE FROM ONE REGION AND TO THE REST ACROSS AFRICA”

“NO REGION NO COUNTRY ON THE CONTINENT IS UNTOUCHED BY THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF TRANSITIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME AND TERRORISM. THE IMPACT IS GLOBAL, AND THE CONVERGENCE REPRESENTS AN EVOLVING THREAT WHICH EXTENDS BEYOND OUR CONTINENT”

“TOCS POSES THREATS TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY”

Saving lives since 1898

H D

SPRINGBUCK

HEAVY DUTY

ASEC2022 POST-EVENT REPORT

ASEC2022: Panel 4 ASEC2022: Panel 6

The first panel discussion of the day began with Panel

4: Technology & Cyber Security; Partnerships for

Development led by Monica Moro, International Sales & Marketing Director of RCS S.p.A, Gold Event Sponsor. Panelists discussed the various new and advanced security challenges across the African continent and mentioned how consumption and usage of new technologies are accompanied with the emergences of new threats to these technologies. Speakers underlined the role of the private sector which should be able to identify which solutions and tools it should acquire as well as partnering with private developments which can help protect societies and solve issues related to cybercrime and other crimes committed. In terms of national security solutions and preventing cyber-attacks, they spoke about strengthening cooperation between country organs to identify different users and to reinforce awareness of the population have certain limitations, as well as training users. They also highlighted the need to mitigate cybercrimes, so actors are prepared ahead of the attacks and working with regional bodies that have local effect working closely with African youth and focusing on partnerships to solve unemployment. Delegates enjoyed a brief Networking Tea and Coffee Break before returning for a Spotlight Address by Amine El Ammari, VP Strategy & Business Development of Thuraya Telecommunications Company, ASEC Silver Event Sponsor. Mr. El Ammari highlighted Thuraya’s extensive portfolio of innovative communications solutions such as voice services, standalone phone, smart phone adapter, and fixed and potable modems, and other broadband data solutions used in a variety of sectors including energy, government, broadcast media, maritime, military, aerospace, and humanitarian NGO.

Panel 5: Communications; focusing on its Role in

Disaster Planning & Preparedness Chaired by Dr. Girum Hailu Maheteme, Regional Coordinator for COVID-19 Response of IGAD Health & Social Development Division. Panelists contributed insights on climate change challenges and its implications on peace, security as well as delivery and access to essential health emergencies. They highlighted the impact of public health emergencies especially on vulnerable groups such as refugees, displaced persons, migrants, the disabled, and offered examples of policy response such as early warning systems and preparedness, continuous monitoring for response, and constant research to prevent such disaster and emergencies.

After an active 3 days of discussions, networking, and meetings, it was left to Molahlegi Molope, Divisional Head for Telecommunications & Sensing Systems of ARMSCOR, Silver Event Sponsor, to Chair ASEC2022’s closing Panel 6: PSOs & Peace Building Initiatives. Panelists discussed the ever-developing mandate of African peacekeepers, the value of stability and growing need for dependable and robust partnerships. They underlined the benefits and shortcomings of peacekeepers and the importance on concentrating on existing peace support operations

ASEC2022

“ORGANS IN COUNTRIES HAVE A MANDATE TO PROTECT THE SOCIETIES FROM CRIMES USING TECHNOLOGIES”

“THE VARIOUS ENTITIES ARE NOT VERY WELL ORGANIZED AND NEED TO COORDINATE BETWEEN THEMSELVES IN THEIR ROLES TO UNDERSTAND AND SET STRUCTURES OF HOW TO TACKLE ATTACKS AND CRIMES, FOLLOWED BY PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT”

“CYBERSECURITY OR CYBER HAS BECOME THE 5TH DOMAIN OF WARFARE. WE NEED TO PREPARE FOR IT BECAUSE IT IS NOT A MATTER OF IF BUT WHEN.

“CYBERSECURITY IS MORE REACTIVE IN WAY PEOPLE ARE INVESTING IN IT, IN THE PEOPLE, PROCESSES AND TECHNOLOGIES”

ASEC2022

“IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUOUS RESEARCH AND MONITORING IN EARLY WARNING AND PREPAREDNESS IS KEY TO PREVENT SECURITY AND HEALTH EMERGENCIES”

on the African continent. The role of women, considered particularly vulnerable in conflict situations, was also stressed. As they leaders and key industry players, women need to be given a chance to have a meaningful impact in peace processes as they are part of the solution.

The closing of Day 2 of the 9th Africa Security Symposium (ASEC2022) forum was signified by the final words of Amb. (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim, Former IGAD Executive Secretary ASEC2022’s Conference Chair who only had left to say a big thank you to all the participants for their commitment and willingness to challenge their ideas and form a better understanding of the security challenges in Africa in a collaborative manner. Managing Director of PNYX, Andrew Dowell shared his sincere appreciation with all the speakers and panelists for their presentations and dialogue, and for their time and commitment to the 1-2-1 matchmaking afternoon meetings. Additionally, he expressed his thanks to the local Kenyan suppliers for all event materials, the excellent simultaneous translation work, and the event Sponsors for their investment in making yet another great event worthwhile. To conclude, all participants were encouraged to continue the discussions and new-found partnerships beyond the forum, to bring forth the change suggested throughout the event and hopefully return next year with great news of the progress of their collaborations. To the sound of applause, delegates headed for a Networking Lunch Break before the final afternoon of 1-2-1 matchmaking sessions. Once again, PNYX’s structured public-private meetings format was held in high regard, with more than 600 hundred meetings being held across the two days. Safe travels to everyone and we look forward to welcoming you at the 10th Africa Security Symposium in 2023! n

ASEC2022

“WOMEN ARE THE MOST AFFECTED DURING CONFLICTS. WE MUST ENCOURAGE MORE FEMALES TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT IN PEACE PROCESSES AS THEY ARE LEADERS AND INDUSTRY PLAYERS AND SHOULD BE PART OF THE SOLUTION”