A Strategic Dialogue
The Aspen Initiative Africa – Nairobi (AIA-N) and the Aspen Institute’s Aspen Digital program are convening an invitation-only, half-day strategic dialogue for up to 30 senior leaders in Africa’s information and security sectors.
In an age where technology is reshaping civic engagement, crisis response, and governance, Africa’s information ecosystems face both unprecedented opportunities and urgent threats, from synthetic media and algorithmic manipulation to the erosion of public trust. This roundtable will explore how we can strengthen secure, credible, and inclusive information systems that safeguard democracy, bolster economies, and protect national stability.
- Friday, 22 August 2025
- Karen Country Club, Nairobi
- Closed-door, hybrid (in-person + virtual) roundtable
- Hosted by Aspen Initiative Africa & Aspen Digital
The Moment We’re In
As several African nations, including Kenya, approach upcoming elections, the integrity of our information ecosystems will be tested. Disinformation campaigns, deepfakes, and coordinated inauthentic activity threaten and public trust.
This dialogue offers a timely, proactive platform for leaders to share strategies, surface innovations, and strengthen collective resilience ahead of these critical democratic moments.
Objectives
Participants will:
- Examine the strategic role of technology in safeguarding information ecosystems.
- Identify regional trends, challenges, and opportunities in the digital information space.
- Share best practices and innovations that enhance information security, situational awareness, and decision-making.
- Build a platform for ongoing cooperation and rapid response to emerging threats.
Key Themes
-
AI and Disinformation
Detecting and countering synthetic media and algorithmic manipulation. -
Protecting News Media
Ensuring journalist safety, sustainability, and independence. -
Policy and Ethics
Balancing surveillance, privacy, and free expression in the digital age.
Expected Outcomes
- A comprehensive post-dialogue report with insights and recommendations.
- Stronger cross-sector understanding of technology’s role in countering disinformation.
- Enhanced regional cooperation on digital transformation and electoral integrity.
- Pathways for real-time knowledge exchange and collaboration.
In Attendance
- Senior government and security officials
- Editors, media owners, and digital platform leads
- Technology innovators and policy strategists
- Civil society leaders working on information integrity
- Friday, 22 August 2025
- Karen Country Club, Nairobi
- Closed-door, hybrid (in-person + virtual) roundtable
Program highlights
08:30 – 09:00
09:00 – 09:15
Opening remarks by Dr. Laila Macharia (AIA-N) & Vivian Schiller (Aspen Digital)
09:15 – 10:30
Session 1: AI & Disinformation – Emerging Threats & Solutions
10:45 – 11:45
Session 2: Protecting News Media – Ethics & Resilience
11:45 – 12:30
Session 3: Policy & Ethics – Navigating Trade-offs
12:30 – 13:00
Synthesis, closing commitments, and next steps
Interested?
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