U.S. Joins International Conference on Cybersecurity in Gaborone, Botswana

Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
May 17, 2016

The U.S. Department of State, supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, will contribute to the First International Conference on the Internet, Cyber Security and Information Systems convened by the University of Gaborone and the University of Johannesburg. U.S. Deputy Coordinator for Cyber Issues Thomas Dukes will provide a keynote speech to open the conference, and will be joined by Professor Bhekisipho Twala, University of Johannesburg, Dr. George Patrick Ah-Thew, SADC Secretariat Directorate of Infrastructure and Services, and Professor Linda Ott, Michigan Technological University, as well as other Government of Botswana and relevant university officials.
Conference attendees will include government officials from Botswana, Mauritius, Senegal, South Africa, Zambia, and others. Regional organizations, such as the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been invited to share their ideas on cybersecurity and cybercrime. Distinguished guests from universities across the continent and the globe, and officials from the U.S. Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security will also share perspectives on cyber issues.

As use of the Internet and mobile phones expands throughout sub-Saharan Africa, nations are grappling with how to respond to multiplying cyber threats, while promoting new and innovative technologies that contribute to stronger democratic institutions, economic growth through trade and investment, advancing peace and prosperity, and promoting opportunity and development. Strong cybersecurity practices enable everyone to enjoy the full benefits of information and communication technology while staying safe online.

The U.S. Department of State works with a variety of stakeholders across a range of interconnected cyber policy issues to promote a cyberspace that is open, interoperable, reliable, and secure for all users. We achieve this vision through diplomatic and developmental engagement around the world.
This conference builds on previous engagement with the Government of Botswana and other key African stakeholders in support of our mutual goals of promoting cybersecurity, combatting cybercrime, and advocating for an Internet that continues to allow people of every nation and background to communicate, cooperate, and prosper like never before.

To learn more about the Department of State’s cyber policy efforts, please follow us on Twitter @State_Cyber, or Facebook.