Why Attend This Year's Edition
This year, the 6th edition will prominently feature Election Data Governance, addressing intricacies surrounding data collection, processing, storage, and usage within electoral processes.
The focus will encompass stakeholders such as election commissions, political parties, candidates, and voters, aiming to foster transparency, integrity, and privacy in electoral proceedings.
Who Attends PSA?
Privacy symposium Africa offers a unique platform for thousands of individuals in Africa as well as across the content to meet, connect, discuss and exchange ideas on the subject of data protection and privacy.
Join our global community of privacy experts, policymakers, business leaders, and individuals from across the continent to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the field of privacy and data protection.
Our Partners
Masterclasses, Call for Papers, Let's Talk, Women In Privacy One-on-One, Privacy Scorecard Report, Panel Discussions
PSA 2024: What To Expect
IMPACT
News & Insights
FAQS
What is the Privacy Symposium Africa (PSA) and what is its significance?
The Privacy Symposium Africa (PSA) is a prominent platform established in 2019 by Unwanted Witness, dedicated to fostering discussions surrounding privacy and related issues within the African context. It serves as a hub for privacy experts, policymakers, business leaders, and individuals across the continent, offering innovative solutions and propositions in legal, regulatory, academic, policy, and technological developments in the field of Privacy and Data Protection.
When and where will the 6th Privacy Symposium Africa take place?
What is the theme of the 6th Privacy Symposium Africa?
What is the Sectoral Lens Approach adopted by the Privacy Symposium Africa?
Meet This Year's Speakers
Brian Tinashe Katsidzira
Human Rights, Democracy and Tech-law Enthusiast
Brian Tinashe Katsidzira - Bio
Name: Brian Tinashe Katsidzira
Country: Zimbabwe
Panel: Surveillance, Privacy, and the Future of Democracy in Africa
Date: Wednesday 20th November, 2024
Time: 10:35 am – 11:35 am CAT
Designation: Human Rights, Democracy and Tech-law Enthusiast
Brian Tinashe Katsidzira is a Zimbabwean youth born and bred in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe (Manicaland province).
He is an ardent human rights, democracy and tech-law enthusiast with over 6 years of Civic society / non-profit making experience, specializing in managing and coordinating community development initiatives across diverse domains.
He holds a Maters degree in Peace, Security and Development Studies (MSU), A Bachelor of Science honors in Politics and Public Management (MSU), A Bachelor of Laws, LLB honors Degree from Midlands State University.
He is a seasoned catalyst for peace, justice and development who has over the years navigated the intricate landscapes of democracy and governance structures, elections and conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction as well as analyzing the complicated interplay of subsequent historical, social, and political factors to development.
He is social justice champion who envisions a world where rigor converges with compassionate action, where not only informed citizens are cultivated but also empathetic change-makers who champion peace, justice, and sustainable development in their own right.
His commitment to policy reform is motivated by the inspiration to ensure that marginalized voices are heard, human rights principles are respected, and communities are empowered particularly in asserting their rights and actively engaging in all democratic processes, recognizing the strength in diversity, and inclusive spaces.
His research acumen is inspired by the fact that he stays abreast of emerging trends, adapting strategies to meet evolving community needs and in the need to bridge theory and practice.
His holistic approach to community development reflects both expertise and his comprehensive legacy of positive change, where every person’s well-being and inherent dignity matters.
His work experience substantially centers on curating advocacy campaigns, developing research publications, conducting capacity building programs, ensuring comprehensive grant management & compliance as well as conducting interdisciplinary research among others.
Charles Otiang`a Owiti
Advocate, High Court of Kenya | Patent Agent & ICT, Data Expert
Charles Otiang`a Owiti - Bio
Name: Charles Otiang`a Owiti
Country: Kenya
Panel: Data Breach Preparedness and Response: Mitigating Risks and Restoring Trust in Financial Institutions
Date: Thursday 21st November, 2024 from.
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am CAT
Designation: Advocate, High Court of Kenya | Patent Agent & ICT, Data Expert
With an impressive 21-year career, Charles is a seasoned advocate known for his multifaceted experience spanning international shipping, logistics, and diverse legal sectors across Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
Charles’s journey in the international shipping and logistics industry has seen him in a range of roles, from commercial leadership to operational excellence, across multiple multinational organizations.
Charles successfully served as in-house counsel, delivering legal expertise and strategic guidance within these organizations, contributing to their legal resilience and strategic growth.
Charles is a member of the LSK ICT/IP Committee and the LSK Tax Committee. His contributions to the legal community include thought-provoking articles in various domains, including AI, digital and creative industries, tax law, maritime law, and ICT. His works have been featured in esteemed publications such as KRA/KESRA’s Tax Prism magazine, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, and the LSK Newsletter.
Committee Engagements: Charles’ dedication extends to key legal committees, where he plays an active role. These include membership in the East Africa Law Society’s Maritime & Aviation Committee and the Trade and Regional Integration Committee.
Dr Melody Musoni
Digital Governance and Digital Economy Policy Officer at ECDPM
Dr Melody Musoni - Bio
Name: Dr Melody Musoni
Country: Netherland
Panel: Exploring Global Perspectives on AI Regulation in Data Protection and Extracting Lessons for Africa Amidst Weak Legal Frameworks
Date: Tuesday 19th November, 2024
Time: 10:20 am -11:20 am CAT
Designation: Digital Governance and Digital Economy Policy Officer at ECDPM
Melody Musoni is a Digital Governance and Digital Economy Policy Officer at ECDPM, a ‘think and do tank’ based in The Netherlands.
She is also the founder of AIfrica Conversations, an initiative uniting African voices to explore how artificial intelligence shapes social, economic, and political realms, with a focus on effective regulation.
Melody’s areas of interest are on Africa’s digital policy landscape, spanning projects on Artificial Intelligence in Africa, AI Sovereignty in South Africa, gender and criminality in cyberspace, digital ID in Africa, approaches to digital sovereignty, data localization in cybercrime investigations, to mention a few.
A seasoned speaker, Melody has contributed to global forums like the Internet Governance Forum, the Transform Africa Summit and engaged with institutions such as the European Union Digital for Development Hub and the OECD.
Before joining ECDPM, Melody worked as a data protection senior expert and advisor at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat.
Melody has a decade long experience in both legal practice and academia where she specialised in privacy law, cybersecurity, and information technology law in South Africa.
She holds a PhD degree in cybercrime law and cloud computing law, a master of laws degree in cyberlaw and a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Witwatersrand.
Edith Utete
Attorney | Co-Founder-Digital Wellness Africa
Edith Utete - Bio
Name: Edith Utete
Country: Zimbabwe
Panel: Exploring Global Perspectives on AI Regulation in Data Protection and Extracting Lessons for Africa Amidst Weak Legal Frameworks
Date: Tuesday 19th November, 2024
Time: 10:20 am -11:20 am CAT
Designation: Attorney | Co-Founder-Digital Wellness Africa
Edith is an attorney with fifteen years of experience in consulting and spearheading policy and legislative reforms in the areas of broadcasting, digitalization regulation of the radio frequency spectrum, and intellectual property protection for innovation.
As Co-founder of Digital Wellness Africa, Edith is also a digital media use and online safety expert, raising awareness and educating in the areas of digital skills and smartphone productivity, digital citizenship, cybersecurity, digital reputation management, and digital well-being.
Emmanuel Mkilia
Director General | Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC)- Tanzania.
Emmanuel Mkilia - Bio
Name: Emmanuel Mkilia
Country: Tanzania
Panel: Proactive vs. Reactive Enforcement Strategies: Maximizing Impact in Data Protection Regulation
Date: Thursday 21st, 2024
Time: 11:30 pm -12:40 pm CAT
Designation: Director General | Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC)- Tanzania.
Emmanuel Lameck Mkilia is a seasoned professional currently serving as the Director General of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC).
With an illustrious career spanning over 24 years, Mr. Mkilia has honed his expertise in law enforcement, holding diverse roles such as Academic Coordinator and Instructor at Tanzania Police School Moshi. Furthermore, he has contributed significantly to academia as a part-time lecturer at Dar es Salaam University School of Law, specializing in information technology in law enforcement, cyber-crime, and criminal investigation.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Mkilia has played a pivotal role at the Eastern and Southern Management Institute (ESAMI) as a part-time lecturer and trainer, focusing on e-crime investigation.
He brings over five years of experience in managing ICT projects for the Tanzania Police Force and boasts more than a decade of expertise in police training and curriculum development.
Mr. Mkilia’s research endeavors include serving as an assistant researcher on the challenges faced by private security companies in Tanzania and as an associate researcher on the impact evaluation of community policing in the region.
His contributions to the field are showcased in his published chapter titled “Security Governance in East Africa: Pictures of Policing from the Ground.”
Currently pursuing a Ph.D., Mr. Mkilia’s research concentration lies in the management of cybersecurity risks and mobile banking usage.
His academic achievements include a Master’s in Public Administration from Mzumbe University and a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Extension from Sokoine University.
Additionally, he received specialized training in IT in Law Enforcement from the National Crime Record Bureau of India. Mr. Mkilia has continually invested in his professional development by attending various instructor development courses both domestically and internationally.
Mutsa Mabhande
Group Head of Information Systems Security, Governance, and Compliance | CBZ Holdings
Mutsa Mabhande - Bio
Name: Mutsa Mabhande
Country: Zimbabwe
Panel: Data Breach Preparedness and Response: Mitigating Risks and Restoring Trust in Financial Institutions
Date: Thursday 21st November, 2024
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am CAT
Designation: Group Head of Information Systems Security, Governance, and Compliance | CBZ Holdings
Mutsa Mabhande is a distinguished senior Cybersecurity and IT Governance professional with extensive experience in IT systems within the financial sector.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in informatics and a master’s degree in computer science, along with numerous certifications including CISA, CRISC, PMP, CDPO, ISO27001, and ISO22301.
Her tenure at KPMG Zimbabwe endowed her with a robust Big 4 IT advisory background, where she led cybersecurity and IT governance implementations, ensuring comprehensive security controls across various customer touchpoints in the financial sector.
Currently, Mutsa serves as the Group Head of Information Systems Security, Governance, and Compliance for CBZ Holdings. Her expertise spans both local and international domains, encompassing the implementation and maintenance of security systems, IT security protocols, IS risk management, and incident response.
Previously, she held a similar position at Ecocash Holdings, where she led the ISO27001 certification for the group and was instrumental in implementing various security controls at the group level.
She is a certified ISO27001 Information Security Management System Lead Implementer and a certified Business Continuity Management System Lead Implementer.
Mutsa leads a high-performing team of skilled security engineers dedicated to safeguarding systems that process customer data.
She has also pioneered internal initiatives aimed at encouraging girls to pursue careers in ICT, successfully increasing the number of females in her teams.
Michael Michie
Co-founder | Everse Technology Africa
Michael Michie - Bio
Name: Michael Michie
Country: Kenya
Panel: Privacy in the Age of Social Media: Are We All Oversharing?
Date: Tuesday 19th November, 2024
Time: 2:05 pm – 3:05 pm CAT
Designation: Co-founder | Everse Technology Africa
Michael Michie a thought leader in the technology industry with over a decade of experience. The co-founder of Everse Technology Africa, an AI start-up focused on AI and data protection and building AI as a service.
His professional experience includes serving as the CTO of bluBeetle AI. Prior to bluBeetle AI he served as CTO of Solv Kenya, a B2B marketplace owned by SC UK Holdings Ltd.
Prior to Solv, Michael was the Head of Information Technology and Innovation at TripleOKLaw, where he successfully transformed the law firm through digitalization and implementation of innovative legal tools.
Michael has an impressive track record in the industry, having risen from a management trainee at M Oriental Bank to become the Head of Information Technology and later, the Chief Information Security Officer.
In 2019, he was awarded the Business Daily Top 40 under 40 Men award for his role in driving digital transformation within the legal industry, making him the youngest recipient of the award that year.
The subgroup chair of the Technical Working Group on Development of Media Guidelines on the Use of Artificial Intelligence & Social Media by the Media Council of Kenya and other working groups around AI.
A Co-founder of the Non-Profit Nia za Akili Zetu Foundation, working on AI in Africa by Africa for Africa and preventing AI hegemony, he sits on several advisory boards, including the Advisory Council for fTLD registry services, the CIO East Africa Fintech Summit Advisory Board, and the CISO Alliances Nairobi Chapter Content Committee.
An advocate for dyslexic thinking and mental health in the workplace, Michael is also a published academic writer, host of the podcast Mind and Machine Africa, and commentator in the technology space.
Aside from his professional pursuits, Michael’s passions include hyperrealism art, reading philosophy, training dogs, and game design and development.
Lori Baker
Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Data Protection and Privacy
Lori Baker - Bio
Name: Lori Baker
Country: Dubai
Panel: Data Breach Preparedness and Response: Mitigating Risks and Restoring Trust in Financial Institutions
Date: Wednesday 20th November, 2024
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am CAT
Designation: Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Data Protection and Privacy
Lori Baker, FIP, Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Data Protection and Privacy
Lori is an experienced attorney with expertise in data protection and regulatory compliance, as well as broad practice in commercial contracting.
She is qualified in both the USA (in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania) and the UK, and is a Fellow of Information Privacy as certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
Lori now provides data protection and regulatory compliance (AML, economic substance and common reporting standard) strategy and support for DIFC Authority, while in her own time she writes and speaks on various data protection and compliance topics.
Prior to relocating to Dubai in 2016, Lori was based in London, UK for 10 years. She worked for Fieldfisher LLP in the technology and outsourcing team as a senior privacy and cybersecurity associate.
She also held in-house roles as Senior Compliance and Privacy Counsel at Dun & Bradstreet, Head of Ethics and Compliance at Orange Business Services and Global Regulatory/Privacy Specialist at BT Global Services.
Livhuwani Maswielelo
Regional Privacy Officer | PayU Africa
Livhuwani Maswielelo - Bio
Name: Livhuwani Maswielelo
Country: South Africa
Panel: Data Breach Preparedness and Response: Mitigating Risks and Restoring Trust in Financial Institutions
Date: Wednesday 20th November, 2024
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am CAT
Designation: Regional Privacy Officer | PayU Africa
Livhuwani Maswielelo is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in the legal profession and a strong background in data protection, information technology, banking, telecommunications, and insurance. As the Regional Privacy Officer for PayU Africa, Livhuwani plays a pivotal role in ensuring privacy and compliance in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and other African markets. Her previous experience further demonstrates her expertise in supporting privacy programs in Africa.
Livhuwani’s dedication to her field is evident through her membership with the International Association of Privacy Professionals, showcasing her commitment to staying current in the ever-evolving landscape of data protection. With over 7 years of experience, Livhuwani is undoubtedly making significant contributions to the global payments and innovative fintech industry and is poised to become an influential leader in the field.
Karla Kiefer
Onboarding Success Partner | Higherlife Foundation
Brian Tinashe Katsidzira - Bio
Name: Brian Tinashe Katsidzira
Country: Zimbabwe
Panel: Surveillance, Privacy, and the Future of Democracy in Africa
Date: Wednesday 20th November, 2024
Time: 10:35 am – 11:35 am CAT
Designation: Human Rights, Democracy and Tech-law Enthusiast
Brian Tinashe Katsidzira is a Zimbabwean youth born and bred in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe (Manicaland province).
He is an ardent human rights, democracy and tech-law enthusiast with over 6 years of Civic society / non-profit making experience, specializing in managing and coordinating community development initiatives across diverse domains.
He holds a Maters degree in Peace, Security and Development Studies (MSU), A Bachelor of Science honors in Politics and Public Management (MSU), A Bachelor of Laws, LLB honors Degree from Midlands State University.
He is a seasoned catalyst for peace, justice and development who has over the years navigated the intricate landscapes of democracy and governance structures, elections and conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction as well as analyzing the complicated interplay of subsequent historical, social, and political factors to development.
He is social justice champion who envisions a world where rigor converges with compassionate action, where not only informed citizens are cultivated but also empathetic change-makers who champion peace, justice, and sustainable development in their own right.
His commitment to policy reform is motivated by the inspiration to ensure that marginalized voices are heard, human rights principles are respected, and communities are empowered particularly in asserting their rights and actively engaging in all democratic processes, recognizing the strength in diversity, and inclusive spaces.
His research acumen is inspired by the fact that he stays abreast of emerging trends, adapting strategies to meet evolving community needs and in the need to bridge theory and practice.
His holistic approach to community development reflects both expertise and his comprehensive legacy of positive change, where every person’s well-being and inherent dignity matters.
His work experience substantially centers on curating advocacy campaigns, developing research publications, conducting capacity building programs, ensuring comprehensive grant management & compliance as well as conducting interdisciplinary research among others.
Shanée R. Banda
Communications Specialist
Shanée R. Banda - Bio
Name: Shanée R. Banda
Country: Zimbabwe
Panel: Privacy in the Age of Social Media: Are We All Oversharing?
Date: Tuesday 19th November, 2024
Time: 2:05 pm – 3:05 pm CAT
Designation: Communications Specialist
Shanée R. Banda is a dynamic communications specialist with a flair for storytelling and a passion for digital engagement. As a seasoned blogger and social media strategist, Shanée has carved out a niche in creating compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences. Her expertise spans across crafting impactful narratives, developing innovative social media campaigns, and leveraging digital platforms to amplify brand presence.
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to authenticity, Shanée has successfully managed communications for various organisations, enhancing their online visibility and fostering meaningful connections. Her ability to blend creativity with strategic insight makes her an invaluable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of digital communications.
Whether she’s writing a thought-provoking blog post, curating engaging social media content, or orchestrating comprehensive communication strategies, Shanée’s work is characterised by its clarity, creativity, and impact. Her dedication to excellence and passion for connecting people through powerful narratives continue to drive her success in the field.
Oladotun Owoyem
Barrister and Solicitor | Policy Analyst at Tech Hive Advisory Africa
Oladotun Owoyem - Bio
Oladotun is a certified privacy professional and a skilled policy analyst at Tech Hive Advisory Africa, a Technology Policy, Advisory and Research Firm with a focus on the intersection of law, business, and technology.
Oladotun has growing expertise in Privacy, data protection, digital health and information security. With real-time knowledge of the data protection landscape across Africa, the Middle East and Turkiye, she has assisted clients across jurisdictions.
She is a contributor to “Privacy in Africa,” a newsletter that tracks the evolving data protection landscape on the continent.
Additionally, she is an associate for Privacy Bars and Bants, a podcast dedicated to making privacy and data protection simple and fun. Oladotun is also a licensed barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Oladotun is emerging as an acclaimed speaker on data protection and digital health. She is dedicated to raising awareness of privacy laws across Africa and bringing the continent up to international standards.
Through her expertise, creativity, and impactful teaching, Oladotun is committed to bringing clarity to privacy laws and making the digital space safer for everyone.
Rutendo Mugadza Mugwagwa
Advocate | Founder and CEO of Zimbabwe Innovation and Legal Technology Association (ZILTA)
Rutendo Mugadza Mugwagwa - Bio
Name: Rutendo Mugadza Mugwagwa
Country: Zimbabwe
Panel: Exploring Global Perspectives on AI Regulation in Data Protection and Extracting Lessons for Africa Amidst Weak Legal Frameworks
Date: Tuesday 19th November, 2024
Time: 10:20 am -11:20 am CAT
Designation: Advocate | Founder and CEO of Zimbabwe Innovation and Legal Technology Association (ZILTA)
Rutendo Mugadza Mugwagwa is a registered lawyer by profession, a holder of a Masters in Intellectual Property and a tech enthusiast who is passionate on raising awareness on the importance of Intellectual Property and building several legal tech solutions to accelerate access to Justice and access to legal services.
She is the founder and CEO of Zimbabwe Innovation and Legal Technology Association(ZILTA), association aimed at empowering law students and law professionals on the importance of Technology in the law field as well as educating on alternatives to the traditional law career and building and incubating legal technology solutions.
She was recently nominated as a finalist in the female Innovator of the year category at the Africa Tech Festival Awards 2022 and won the Socio-Tech Innovator of the year Award at the Ignite Youth Awards 2022 and listed as one of the Most Influential Female Lawyers in Africa by the Courtroom Mail 100 SHID as well as one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in Technology and Telecommunications by the Africa Tech Festival and Connecting Africa.
Tadzie Madzima
Founder IGNITE Youth Organization
Tadzie Madzima - Bio
Name: Tadzie Madzima
Country: Zimbabwe
Panel: Privacy Mishaps: Funny Stories from the Workplace
Date: Tuesday 19th November, 2024
Time: 2:05 pm – 3:05 pm CAT
Designation: Founder IGNITE Youth Organization
Tadzie Madzima is an award-winning Zimbabwean life coach who empowers and inspires individuals to live a purpose-driven, authentic, bold, and courageous lives through self awareness. In 2018 she was selected as a mandela Washington fellow and in 2021, she was selected as a Gratitude Feloow by the US-based Leadership development organization, The Gratitude Network. Tadzie Founded Ignite Youth Organization to help young people discover their Purpose.
Takunda Chingonzo (MSc-IE, MBA)
Takunda Chingonzo (MSc-IE, MBA)
Takunda Chingonzo (MSc-IE, MBA) - Bio
Name: Takunda Chingonzo (MSc-IE, MBA)
Country: Zimbabwe
Panel: Privacy in the Age of Social Media: Are We All Oversharing?
Date: Tuesday 19th November, 2024
Time: 2:05 pm – 3:05 pm CAT
Designation: Digital Transformation Consultant | Founder-Assegai Analytics
Takunda Chingonzo is a digital innovation expert and the founder of Assegai Analytics, a data management company that provides managed data analytics and privacy services.
Additionally, he founded The Village Innovation Network, a support network that focuses on innovation and technology to empower organizations and communities through entrepreneurship.
Previously, Takunda managed Microsoft’s skilling programs in Africa as a Program Manager, working with various organizations to upskill thousands of developers and students across the African continent.
He is a member of the Institute of Directors in Zimbabwe and a board member of the Zimbabwe Opportunity Fund, a US and UK-registered charity that funds technology education programs in Zimbabwe.
In 2015, Takunda was featured on the cover of Forbes Africa Magazine as part of the Forbes 30 under 30 list. In 2018, he received an entrepreneurship award from President El-Sisi of Egypt at the World Youth Forum. Takunda has also had notable speaking engagements, such as interviewing President Obama at the US Africa Summit and speaking at global events like the Global Entrepreneurship Summit and the Global Philanthropy Forum.
Takunda is a passionate advocate for a connected Africa, leveraging technology developed by Africans for Africans. He is a Mandela Washington Fellow, a Yunus and Youth Fellow, a Kairos Fellow, and an Obama Foundation Leader.
He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work in empowering and driving the spirit of entrepreneurship across Africa. Furthermore, as a Chevening Scholar and Mansion House Scholar, he holds an MBA and a Masters in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management.
Currently, Takunda is pursuing PhD research on personal data rights, the data economy, and new business models.
Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu
Head of Data Protection | KCB Group
Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu - Bio
Name: Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu
Country: Kenya
Panel: Data Breach Preparedness and Response: Mitigating Risks and Restoring Trust in Financial Institutions
Date: Wednesday 20th November, 2024
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am CAT
Designation: Head of Data Protection | KCB Group
Rosemary serves as Head of Data Protection at KCB Group, working to guide the group’s compliance with data protection laws. She is the Chair of the Kenya Banker’s Association Data Protection Working Group and is the Vice Chair of the Data Privacy and Governance Society Kenya and a founding member of the Kenya Privacy Professionals Association. She is legal professional whose practice focuses on technology, public policy and regulatory affairs.
Rosemary has over 13 years of experience serving in data protection, policy and legal functions in leading corporations. Rosemary is a recipient of a number of regional industry awards for her contributions to tech law and policy. She is a member of the Law Society of Kenya and serves as a board member at the Legal Hackers Global, Kenya Network Information Center (KeNIC), the Association of Fintechs in Kenya (AFIK) and is a trustee at the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) which is a tech policy think tank.
Mrs Farisai Chaniwa
Director | Media Monitors
Mrs Farisai Chaniwa - Bio
Name: Mrs Farisai Chaniwa
Country: Zimbabwe
Panel: Complexities of Election Data Management in Africa’s Digital Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities
Date: Wednesday 20th November, 2024.
Time: 11:45 am – 12:45 pm CAT
Designation: Director | Media Monitors
Farisai Chaniwa is a business management and information technology specialist with over 8 years of experience in media data engineering and analysis. As a leading expert in harnessing the power of data, she has established a strong track record in effectively collecting, organizing, and interpreting data to generate meaningful insights.
Farisai’s analytical skills enable her to identify trends, patterns, and biases within different content, providing valuable inputs for informed decision-making. Highly organized and technically proficient, she has expertise in media data engineering, managing media research projects, and information systems management. With an emergent knowledge in information technology and a strong entrepreneurial attitude, Farisai is adept at leveraging her skills to drive impactful data-driven solutions.
Lyantoniette Chua
Founder and Global Convenor | The Ambit
Lyantoniette Chua - Bio
Name: Lyantoniette Chua
Country: USA
Let’s Talk: Strategic Insights and Pragmatic Approaches to AI Governance and Policy Development in Africa
Date: Wednesday 20th November, 2024.
Time: 1:30 pm -2:15 pm CAT
Designation: Founder and Global Convenor |The Ambit
Lyantoniette Chua is the Founder and Global Convenor of The Ambit. Lyan is also a Senior Policy Advisor at the Center for AI and Digital Policy, Washington DC and a 2022 holder of CAIDP AI Policy Advanced Certification with Honors. Recently, she is listed among 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics for 2024. Lyan is a member of the newly founded OECD Experts Group on AI, Data, & Privacy, and previously served as Vice-Chair of the IEEE Committee on Concentration of Power and Technology under The IEEE Global Ethics Initiative on Autonomous and Intelligent Systems.
Rapidly founded out of civic responsibility, The Ambit is the first to launch a public call on Ethics, Safety, and Governance of AI in the Philippines and ones among Global South countries recognized internationally. The Ambit focuses on Global Majority AI Governance empowering nations with (a) shared development goals, (b) a long history as present and former colonies, and high concentration of (c) disenfranchised populations, (d) marginalized groups, and (e) people of diaspora – starting in Southeast Asia.
A seasoned digital policy practitioner and emerging AI Safety scholar, Lyan is keen to advance professionalizing the workforce on transnational AI Governance and meaningfully pioneer AI assurance moving forward. She leads to build governance protecting the world’s most vulnerable from harm through partnerships, education, and policy advocacy. Her vision is a future shaped with AI that honors and upholds human dignity.
Janet Machuka
Founder | ATC Digital Academy
Janet Machuka - Bio
Name: Janet Machuka
Country: Kenya
Panel: Privacy in the Age of Social Media: Are We All Oversharing?
Date: Tuesday 19th November, 2024
Time: 2:05 pm – 3:05 pm CAT
Designation: Founder | ATC Digital Academy
Janet Machuka is a social media marketing strategist, content creator, copywriter, influencer, digital marketing speaker, social media marketing course instructor and trainer, and one of the top thought leaders in the digital marketing industry. She is the founder of Africa’s marketing community on X (Formerly Twitter), #AfricaTweetChat which has tapped into a 700+ million audience for the past 7 years within and without the platform. She founded ATC Digital Academy, an ed-tech startup for digital marketing courses. Additionally, she runs a marketing agency, Sparks Corporates that serves both local and international brands.
Desmond Israel
Consulting Partner | Legal Afrique Unlimited
Desmond Israel - Bio
Name: Desmond Israel
Country: Ghana
Panel: Privacy Mishaps: Funny Stories from the Workplace
Date: Wednesday, November 20th, 2024
Time: 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm CAT.
Designation: Consulting Partner |Legal Afrique Unlimited
Desmond Israel is a lawyer and data privacy/information security practitioner specializing in cyber laws, global data privacy, open-source intelligence gathering, and technology policy research, with over a decade and a half of industry experience in cybersecurity across countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
He is a Consulting Partner with Legal Afrique Unlimited and also founded Information Security Architects Ltd (Rapid7 Gold Partner) in Ghana. Desmond is a GW Law Merit Scholar with an LL.M. (National Security and Cybersecurity) from George Washington University. He is passionate about the convergence between technology, law, and policy. He has numerous data privacy and cybersecurity industry-recognized certifications and volunteers as a Lead Researcher for Guardian Safety Framework for the Metaverse with XR Safety Initiative (XRSI) in California.
He is an Associate with Child Online Africa and was a Fellow with the Center for AI and Digital Policy and the Internet Security Alliance in the United States of America. Memberships: Ghana Bar Association, ISC2, IAPP, ISOC-SIG(Cyber security and Online Safety) and IIPGH.