Pre-Conference IT Workshop for ICT Directors of AAU Member Universities 

Theme: Strengthening Cybersecurity, AI Integration, and EdTech Adoption in African Higher Education Institutions 

Organized by: Association of African Universities (AAU) 

Cybersecurity Component Facilitated by: Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) 

Background 

As digital transformation accelerates in African higher education institutions (HEIs), there is an urgent need to strengthen institutional capacity in the areas of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and educational technology (EdTech). In addition, HEIs need a better understanding of internet governance and how they can shape global internet policies to reflect the African academic perspective. 

To address these priorities, the Association of African Universities (AAU) is convening a Pre-Conference IT Workshop for ICT Directors from AAU member universities ahead of the 16th AAU General Conference in Rabat, Morocco. The workshop is designed to build hands-on capacity, foster collaboration, and introduce global best practices in cybersecurity, AI, EdTech, and internet governance. 

The cybersecurity component of this workshop will be delivered by the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST)—a globally recognized leader in cybersecurity coordination and incident response. 

Objectives of the Workshop 

• Equip ICT leaders with critical knowledge and hands-on skills in cybersecurity, including setting up institutional Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs). 
• Introduce AI and EdTech solutions that support academic and administrative innovation in HEIs. 
• Promote academic participation in global internet governance through the School of Internet Governance for Academia, with a focus on ICANN, policy development, and digital rights. 
• Strengthen regional networks among ICT leaders to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing. 
• Support institutional digital transformation by connecting HEIs to international initiatives such as the Coalition for Digital Africa and Universal Acceptance. 

• Target Participants 

The workshop targets ICT Directors, Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and Heads of IT Units from AAU member universities.  

• Registration 

https://forms.office.com/r/ftyK8ktQxH 

Registration Fee (Preconference Workshop and General Conference participation) – USD 700 

Registration Fee (Preconference Workshop alone): USD500 

Payment Link: https://pay.aau.org/workshop-for-ict-directors-rabat-2025  

Tentative Schedule 

Date Activity 

18 July 2025 Arrival of participants in Rabat, Morocco 

19 July 2025 Cybersecurity Training (Day 1) – Facilitated by FIRST: Understanding the cybersecurity environment, Introduction to CSIRTs, Making the case for CSIRTs in HEIs, Coordination of incidents, CSIRT development 

20 July 2025 Cybersecurity Training (Day 2) – Facilitated by FIRST: Incident management and handling, Operations frameworks, Threat intelligence, Secure communications (TLP), Tabletop Exercise (TTX) 

21 July 2025 Participation in AAU General Conference – Opening Ceremony 

22 July 2025 EdTech/AI/Universal Acceptance: Digital learning trends, Practical AI tools in academia, Introduction to Universal Acceptance (UA), Coalition for Digital Africa 

23 July 2025 School of Internet Governance for Academia: Understanding the ICANN ecosystem, Policy development processes, Academic engagement and representation in internet governance 

24 July 2025 ICT Directors Side Event (To be confirmed): Strategic planning discussions, collaborative project development, regional peer networking 

25 July 2025 AAU General Conference Plenary & Closing / Departure 

Conclusion 

This pre-conference workshop is a strategic investment in the digital future of African higher education. By engaging with global experts such as FIRST and exploring emerging areas like AI, EdTech, and internet governance, ICT Directors will gain practical skills and strategic insight to transform their institutions. 

AAU encourages its member universities to nominate their ICT Directors to participate in this unique opportunity for capacity-building, collaboration, and leadership in the digital transformation of African academia. 

Contact Information: 

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Abdul Manaf Sulemana at amsulemana@aau.org or +233267107410. Kindly also copy fasefuah@aau.org