Security, governance, and natural resources: ISCA 2025, a decisive turning point for Africa
From May 15 to 16, 2025, Kigali hosted the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA), a major pan-African forum gathering over 1,000 security experts, policymakers, researchers, and international partners. Under the theme “Reshaping Africa’s Landscape in a Dynamic, Complex Global Environment,” the event spotlighted security challenges, governance, and natural resource management amid soaring global demand.
“Africa has a huge opportunity in the next 25 years. Global demand for natural resources is set to surge. This could transform the continent — if we embrace a different mindset and ensure good governance,” said Professor Kingsley Moghalu, president of the African School of Governance and conference panelist. He emphasized the need for Africa to move up the value chain to balance global power dynamics.
Donald Kaberuka, former president of the African Development Bank, stressed, “Peace must be financed as much as economic development, otherwise no progress will be sustainable.” Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), highlighted the crucial importance of “mastering civilian nuclear technologies to guarantee the continent’s sovereignty and energy security.”
Discussions also tackled digital transformation and cybersecurity. Rwanda’s Minister of ICT, Paula Ingabire, presented Rwanda’s efforts on a zero-trust security framework and the country’s signature to the Malabo Convention on cybersecurity.
ISCA also marked the official launch of this pan-African platform to facilitate dialogue, policy coordination, and the development of innovative solutions tailored to Africa’s context, aiming for a safer and more prosperous future.
