Africa IPv6-Cybersecurity Task Force Convenes Landmark Summit, Uniting Continental Leaders to Forge a Secure Digital Future

9th September 2025 – [Virtual Platform] – In a historic gathering that has set a new benchmark for continental collaboration, the Africa IPv6 Cybersecurity Task Force successfully convened the Africa IPv6-Cybersecurity Secure Tech Summit 2025 (Africa-IPv6Secure). The landmark virtual event, held on September 9th, brought together a constellation of the world's foremost technology experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to chart an actionable course for Africa's digital sovereignty.

Under the theme *“Empowering Africa’s Digital Future with IPv6, AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing, and Next-Generation Infrastructure,”* the summit served as a powerful catalyst for change, translating vision into a concrete manifesto for action.

A Gathering of Titans for a Continental Imperative

The maiden event was hailed as a critical turning point, addressing the urgent need for Africa to transition to IPv6—a foundational protocol essential for securing the continent's digital borders, enabling future innovation, and driving economic competitiveness.

The summit was opened by global IPv6 pioneer Prof. Latif Ladid, President of the IPv6 Forum, and Dr. Tayeb Ben Meriem, Conference Chairman and IPv6 Forum Vice-President, who set a compelling strategic tone for the day’s discussions. They were followed by an illustrious roster of keynote speakers, including:

• Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director General of Nigeria's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
• Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman of Digital Africa.
• Dr. Dorothy Gordon, Board Member of the World Summit Awards (WSA).
• Tomi Kinnari, Head of International Relations at Finland’s National Cyber Security Centre.
• Dr. Ahmed Said, Advisor to Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Chair of ITU SG3.
• Arch. Pierpaolo Saporito, President, OCCAM- The Observatory on Digital Communication, in Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC

Deep Dives and Actionable Dialogue

The agenda featured deep-dive technical sessions moderated by Amos Emmanuel, Chief Data Officer of the Task Force and Conference Vice-Chairman. Renowned experts, including Dr. Jimson Olufuye of AfICTA, Dr. Yao Jules Agnin of the Ivory Coast IPv6 Council, and Sireesha Dandu, CEO of Aarcalev Technology Solutions, provided critical insights into policy, national implementation, and cybersecurity realities.

A dynamic panel session followed, featuring Task Force Co-Founder Chris Uwaje alongside leaders like Fiona Asonga (CEO of TESPOK), Prof. Zelalem Mengistu (Ethiopia IPv6 Council), and Dr. Riad Hartani of XONA Partners. The discussion, expertly steered by moderators Amos Emmanuel, Musa Stephen Honlue, and Temitope Ausi, yielded pragmatic strategies and best practices for navigating the IPv6 transition securely and effectively.

The Africa-IPv6Secure 2025 Manifesto: A Covenant for the Future

The pinnacle of the summit was the unanimous adoption of the “Manifesto for Africa’s Digital Renaissance.” This powerful document moves beyond declaration to a pledge of action, outlining non-negotiable commitments to:

• Digital Sovereignty by Design: Asserting Africa’s control over its data and digital infrastructure.
• Mandatory IPv6 Adoption: Advocating for IPv6 as the default standard to mitigate security risks and enable growth.
• Inclusive and Sustainable Development: Ensuring the digital revolution benefits all Africans and aligns with environmental sustainability.

The manifesto issues a direct call to action for governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society to invest in research, foster international cooperation, enhance digital literacy, and implement robust cybersecurity measures.

Quotes from Leadership:

Prof. Latif Ladid, President of the IPv6 Forum, stated: “This summit marks the moment Africa decided to architect its own digital destiny. The collective will demonstrated here is the first step toward true technological self-determination.”

Chris Uwaje, Co-Founder of the Africa IPv6 Cybersecurity Task Force, added: “We have moved from talking to doing. The manifesto is our covenant with the continent—a promise to build a secure, sovereign, and prosperous digital future for generations to come.”

Dr. Tayeb Ben Meriem, Conference Chairman, remarked: “The quality of dialogue and the concrete outcomes of this maiden summit have exceeded our highest expectations. This is just the beginning of a sustained, continent-wide effort.”

Looking Ahead

The Africa IPv6 Cybersecurity Task Force has announced its commitment to an annual review of the manifesto’s progress, ensuring accountability and continuous momentum. The success of this inaugural summit establishes it as the premier platform for shaping Africa’s digital policy and technological future.

For more information on the outcomes and to read the full manifesto, visit https://www.ipv6cyber.africa

About Africa IPv6 Cybersecurity Task Force:
The Africa IPv6 Cybersecurity Task Force is a premier non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the secure adoption and deployment of IPv6 across the African continent. Through advocacy, capacity building, and thought leadership, we work to ensure a secure, sovereign, and prosperous digital future for all African nations.

Media Contact:
Africa IPv6 Cybersecurity Task Force
https://www.ipv6cyber.africa,