Grace Ashiru
The Africa Cloud & Security Roadshow wrapped up last month in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together numerous local and regional industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals in cloud computing and cybersecurity to delve into both current and emerging technology trends.
Hosted by BUI East Africa, an award-winning global IT consultancy specializing in cloud, security, and networking solutions, and organized by dx5, Africa’s technology driver, the Addis Ababa conference marked the third and final stop of the roadshow, following similar events in Tanzania and Uganda in May.
Aimed at fostering meaningful discussions about cloud computing and cybersecurity and advancing the technological landscape in East Africa, the roadshow provided attendees with opportunities to engage with keynote speakers, presenters, and panelists on a diverse range of topics, from cloud infrastructure to artificial intelligence and advanced security.
Despite Ethiopia’s commitment to digital transformation, the country encounters several obstacles, such as a shortage of digital skills and a lack of cloud and cybersecurity specialists. Roadshow delegates were keen to learn about the technologies and tools that can aid small and medium-sized businesses, enterprises, and non-profit organizations in adopting cloud services and enhancing security measures.
Hasmukh Chudasama, the general manager of BUI East Africa, served as the keynote speaker and delivered a presentation titled “You’ve been hacked – what next? Your breach response plan.” In his address, Chudasama detailed the immediate steps to take following a security breach, including incident containment, investigation, and communication strategies. The audience gained insights into how to minimize damage and rapidly restore operations after a breach.
Chudasama, along with colleague Kelvin Ngware, took part in a panel discussion where they emphasized methods to implement a Zero Trust security strategy without negatively affecting user experience. Stacy Wanjeri, dx5’s Customer Success Manager, moderated this panel and facilitated other group conversations at the Addis Ababa event.
Ngware, BUI East Africa’s Modern Work specialist and technical consultant, delivered an in-depth overview of Copilot for Microsoft 365 to attendees. He highlighted the robust features of this AI-driven virtual assistant and shared practical examples of how it can enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
As Ethiopia advances its national digital initiatives, the effective adoption and enablement of cloud technology will be critical to its success. Comprehensive cybersecurity planning, including data protection and disaster recovery, will also be essential to empower organizations across the country to operate securely and innovate for the future. Events like the Africa Cloud & Security Roadshow offer exclusive access to industry experts who can advise and guide Addis Ababa’s decision-makers on this journey.
