Cybersecurity: African and European representatives discuss opportunities for closer cooperation

On 3 - 4 February 2026, African and European representatives and experts from governments, international organisations, academia, civil society and industry met in Stellenbosch, South Africa, for the first 1.5 track Dialogue on Cyber Diplomacy. 

The roundtable allowed experts to exchange perspectives on respective cyber policy approaches and best practices, build trust, share ideas, explore shared priorities, and identify concrete areas for cooperation. They addressed issues such as global cybersecurity challenges, cyber capacity building, responsible state behaviour and opportunities for advancing Africa-EU cyber cooperation, as the African continent and EU deepen cooperation on their secure digital transformation.

The dialogue was organised jointly by the EU Cyber Direct Initiative and Stellenbosch University, supported by the European External Action Service.

Background

The 1.5 track cyber diplomacy dialogue is a platform bringing together experts to exchange and build trust across both regions, share ideas and explore opportunities for cooperation on cyber issues.