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ASEC2020 Virtual Agenda
Tuesday 06 October
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Context
The Africa Security Symposium (ASEC2020) ‘Virtual Event’ provides participants with all the benefits of an international conference without the travel. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact and network on our virtual platform, whilst accessing our pre-recorded high-level panel sessions featuring some of the security industry’s leading stakeholders. Using the latest technology, you will be able to interact at virtual booths, submit questions to our panellists (pre-event), and take part in pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings across the two days in private breakout rooms, all from one login in an Internet browser.
Daily start time, networking lunch break in the Exhibition Hall, and 1-2-1 Matchmaking Meeting Appointments are all in EAT (GMT+3) 
09:00
Opening Ceremony
 
Andrew Dowell, CEO of GRV Global
 
Welcoming Remarks
 MG (Ret.) Salihu Zaway Uba, Former UNMIL Force Commander of CONFERENCE CHAIR
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Opening Keynote Address
 
Hon. Kenea Yadeta, Minister
Ethiopia; Ministry of Defense (MoD)
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Panel 1: Policing the Community (60mins)
COVID-19 has expanded the scope of duties for the national police force, including restricting free movement to prevent the congestion of prominent areas. However, this has been met with resistance in some countries which have battled to regulate neighbourhoods to maintain peace and safety. Arguably, this disruption creates potential for terrorist groups to embed into communities and exploit vulnerabilities by filling inevitable voids. The panel will discuss how the police service can best provide protection and encourage community vigilance.
 
Panel Chair: Francis Kwaku Yiribaare, Chief of Operations of UN Police (UNPOL), UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
 
Dr. George Kainja, Inspector General of Police of Malawi Police Service
 
Joseph Kipchumba Kalum, Inspector of Anti-terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), Kenya National Police Service
 
Gedion Kimilu, Head of Interpol Bureau for East Africa of INTERPOL Regional Bureau for Eastern Africa
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Keynote Address
 
Covid-19 and Violent Extremism: The Challenges of the Senegalese State
 Lt. Gen. Meïssa Niang, Grand Chancellor of the National Lion Order of Senegalese Gendarmerie
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The Halo Trust: Somaliland - Ethiopia Border Project (video)
The village of Dabogoryaale is split in half by the Somaliland - Ethiopian border. For families on the Somaliland side, life is improving as HALO works to clear the landmines that encircle the village. But on the Ethiopian side, where we do not yet have permission to make the land safe, the risk of accidents remains. Learn about HALO's plans to clear the minefields along the border, not only ensuring families on both sides can live without fear, but also opening up the vital trade route from Ethiopia, across Somaliland to Berbera Port.
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Panel 2: Border Control & Surveillance - Clearing the Path to Access (60mins)
This panel will look at the effects of worldwide border closures as popular transit routes throughout sub-Saharan Africa are blocked. This has hindered the delivery of humanitarian goods and demining projects. Whilst initiatives in route clearance have played a vital role in providing safe areas for communities to rebuild, the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated risks in clearing the final miles and highlighted transportation challenges. Furthermore, building upon ASEC2019 discussions, panellists will assess the implications of an undocumented economy and the absence of a centralised database, further considering the far-reaching consequences in tracing the spread of the disease in Africa’s porous borders.
 
Panel Chair: Graham Walker, Marketing Executive Naval & Maritime Systems of Saab
 
Jane Strangways, Country Director - Somaliland of HALO Trust
 
Lawrie Clapton, Country Director - Somalia of HALO Trust
 
Koos Joubert , Technical Adviser of DCD Protected Mobility
 
M.G. Mainasara Masanawa, Commandant of Nigerian Army; Nigeria Armed Forces
 
Tim Leary, Program Director of Woolpert
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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN & International Agency stakeholders and leading local, regional and global operators. Schedules are prearranged (during September) to provide a unique opportunity to discuss sustainable security and peacekeeping solutions for the continent.
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Spotlight Address
 
U.S. Africa Command's Mission the Office of Science, Technology & Innovation
Edward Durell, Senior International Program Specialist
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)
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Panel 3: Communication & Cyber Security (60mins)
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, we demand more of technology to navigate a ‘new normal’. Almost overnight, the world was forced to rely on, and embrace technology and focus on solution-based strategies to protect emergency services and personal security. This session will explore these tech solutions and consider the wider implications for security, as governments implement ‘track and tracing’ initiatives that rely on real-time analysis. Panellists will also discuss the greater cooperation required between intelligence organisations, and potential vulnerabilities with increased ransomware and phishing demands as society is forced to coordinate remotely.
 
Panel Chair: Roger Sels, Vice President Solutions - EMEA of BlackBerry
 
Gerard Agossou, Chief Information Security Officer of African Development Bank (AfDB)
 
Dr. Katherine Getao, Chief Executive Officer of Kenya ICT Authority
 
Paballo Motoboli, Marketing & Business Development Executive of Saab
10:30 - 12:00
Forum Chat: DCD - Collective security of the African Standby Forces
12:45 - 14:45
Forum Chat: Woolpert - The Role of Geospatial Information for Security
13:00 - 14:00
Networking Lunch Break - Virtual Booths
Take a break whilst visiting the full range of ASEC2020 virtual booths. Event Sponsors host personalised interactive booths for you to explore; you can chat online, hold video calls and obtain e-takeaways.
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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN & International Agency stakeholders and leading local, regional and global operators. Schedules are prearranged (during September) to provide a unique opportunity to discuss sustainable security and peacekeeping solutions for the continent.
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Spotlight Address
 
The Role of Ethiopia Security Forces & Enforcing Security Measures during the Covid-19 pandemic (2019/20): Lesson Learnt & Good Practices
 Brig Gen Bultie Kittila, War College Commandant of Ethiopia
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Panel 4: Counterterrorism - Solidarity in the Sahel (60mins)
As the pandemic maintains its grip on the world, countries in the Sahel face a more imminent threat from terrorist groups in the region, with more frequent attacks. In the last year, the UN recorded over 4000 deaths in the Sahel region, with Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso being the most affected. Despite a myriad of operations to sedate the region, the direction to peace remains unclear. The organisations directly involved in the conflicts will have the opportunity to share areas for support and collaboration that can better combat the struggle against the terrorist groups.
 
Panel Chair: Frederic Maio, Programme Manager - AMAT of Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
 
James Collado, International Military Affairs Branch Chief of U.S. Army Africa & Southern European Task Force (USARAF/SETAF)
 
Mahamat Abakar, Defense Assistant of G5 Sahel
 
Bruno Mpondo-Epo, Director of Political Affairs of UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)
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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN & International Agency stakeholders and leading local, regional and global operators. Schedules are prearranged (during September) to provide a unique opportunity to discuss sustainable security and peacekeeping solutions for the continent.
Wednesday 07 October
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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN & International Agency stakeholders and leading local, regional and global operators. Schedules are prearranged (during December) to provide a unique opportunity to discuss sustainable security and peacekeeping solutions for the continent.
09:00
Keynote Address
 
The Challenges of National Security in the Republic of Congo: Approaches to Solutions
Gen. Charles Richard Mondjo, Minister
Congo; Ministry of National Defence
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Spotlight Address
 
Enforcing Security Measures in Sierra Leone – Challenges and Approaches
Brig Gen Abu Bakarr Conteh, Commander - 5th Infantry Brigade
Sierra Leone; Ministry of Defence (Armed Forces)
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Panel 5: Health Security (60mins)
African governments made swift efforts to lock-down their economies quicker than their western counterparts due to the pervasive vulnerability of healthcare systems throughout the region. Whilst the continent should be commended for their rapid action, many questions remain unanswered.
  • How will countries be able to afford the personal protective equipment (PPE) should cases continue to rise?
  • To what extent can we rely on the reported statistics?
  • What infrastructure projects should be considered in building a stronger system moving forward?
 
Panel Chair: David Flament, Chief Security Officer of African Development Bank (AfDB)
 
Marta Garcia-Argenal, Team Leader - Healthcare Team of UN Procurement Division (UNPD)
 
Dr. Zabulon Yoti, Regional Emergency Director of World Health Organization (WHO)
 
Dr. Girum Hailu, Senior Advisor - IGAD Health & Social Development of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN & International Agency stakeholders and leading local, regional and global operators. Schedules are prearranged (during September) to provide a unique opportunity to discuss sustainable security and peacekeeping solutions for the continent.
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Spotlight Address
 
The AU's effort in the Security Sector Reforms of The Gambia
Lt Col Sheku Tejan Sesay, Military Plans & Operations Officer
African Union Commission (AUC)
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Spotlight Address
 
UN EOD/IEDD Curriculum Standards
Major Frank Talbert, IED Threat Mitigation Advisor
UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
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Panel 6: Peace Support Operations - The Rights of the Displaced (60mins)
In an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, thousands of migrants remain displaced in addition to those that have been forced to flee in light of conflict in their region. Additional prevalent issues include migrant smuggling and human trafficking which continue to strain the socioeconomic factors of nations bearing the burden of the outpouring of migrants. Panellists will explore the opportunities for geo-locating technology and strategies to ease the pressure on neighbouring countries by addressing the root needs within the communities. In this regard, it is equally necessary to anticipate ways in which to prevent election-related conflicts for the five presidential elections taking place between now and December in Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, and Niger. Measures needed include the training of security forces in skills including the use of the necessary technology, tools and mechanisms for crowd control in respect of human rights.
 
Panel Chair: Dr. Mac McClelland, President - Middle East & Africa of International Stability Operations Association (ISOA)
 
Carine Kaneza-Nantulya, Africa Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch
 
Col. Papa Malick Diaw, Delegate to the Military & Armed Groups of International Commitee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
 
Dr. Harvey Langholtz, Executive Director of Peace Operations Training Institute (POTI)
 
Dr. Kwaku Asante-Darko, Regional Programme Specialist - West & Central Africa of UN Development Programme (UNDP)
 
Zurab Elzarov, Chief - Governance & Community Stabilization Section of AU - UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID)
10:30 - 12:00
Forum Chat: MINUSMA: Strategic Information: a Key to Decision Making
12:00 - 14:00
Forum Chat: Blackberry - Cyber Threat Hunting: Necessity or Luxury?
13:00 - 14:00
Networking Lunch Break - Virtual Booths
Take a break whilst visiting the full range of ASEC2020 virtual booths. Event Sponsors host personalised interactive booths for you to explore; you can chat online, hold video calls and obtain e-takeaways.
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Spotlight Address
 
Turbo Transition - Partnering for Globally Integrated Logistics
 James Demchsak, International Engagements Officer for Europe & Africa of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)
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Panel 7: Financial Insecurity (60mins)
COVID-19 has halted the global economy which has had a disproportionate effect on African nations. They have seen their markets contract, as they tread the precarious line between health guidelines and a potential crippling recession. Recently, there has been bold steps for greater intercontinental reliance as the region weans off aid and looks to develop more intracontinental support. However, the questions remain on:
  • How the region will cope in these unprecedented times?
  • Will a failed economy exacerbate the security situation as crime likely increases as a result?
 
Panel Chair: Habib Kambanga, Head - SADC Regional Early Warning Centre of Southern African Development Community (SADC)
 
Benjamin Chidyamoto, Chief Security Officer of African Development Bank (AfDB)
 
Elizabeth Ntue Mutunga, Head of Governance, Peace and Security of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
 
Dr. Mark Wilkinson, Head of Projects of Department of Peace Operations (DPO), UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Iraq
14:00 - 15:20
Forum Chat: Microsoft - Cloud for Defense and Security in Times of Crisis
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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN & International Agency stakeholders and leading local, regional and global operators. Schedules are prearranged (during September) to provide a unique opportunity to discuss sustainable security and peacekeeping solutions for the continent.