West Africa ICT Action Network (WAIAN) to Host Global Encryption Day 2024 in Liberia: Strengthening Digital Security Through Encryption
The West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) is proud to announce that it will host Global Encryption Day 2024 in Liberia on October 21st. This marks the fourth consecutive edition of the event organized by WAICTANet, reaffirming its leadership in promoting digital security, privacy, and encryption awareness in Liberia and the wider West African region. This year’s event promises to be particularly special, featuring expanded partnerships, including strong support from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Liberia, which has endorsed the initiative as vital to Liberia’s digital future.
Global Encryption Day is a global initiative designed to raise awareness of the importance of encryption in protecting privacy, ensuring data security, and fostering trust in the digital world. Encryption has become increasingly significant as individuals, businesses, and governments face mounting cyber threats. For over three years, WAICTANet has been at the forefront of promoting encryption as a critical component of Liberia’s and West Africa’s digital resilience.
Peterking Quaye, Executive Director of WAICTANet, highlighted the importance of this year’s event, noting the evolving digital landscape and the need for stronger digital protections in the region.
“Global Encryption Day 2024 comes at a time when the importance of encryption cannot be overstated. Cybersecurity challenges in West Africa are growing, and it is crucial that we build a foundation of trust through strong encryption policies and practices. This year’s event is unique not only because it is our fourth edition but also because we are seeing unprecedented collaboration between civil society, government, and the private sector. With the support of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, we aim to push the boundaries of encryption advocacy, ensuring that Liberia is at the forefront of digital security discussions in Africa,” Quaye stated.
While Global Encryption Day has always focused on raising awareness about encryption’s role in securing communications and data, the 2024 edition hosted by WAICTANet will bring new dimensions to the conversation. This year, the event will emphasize collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to develop more robust encryption frameworks in Liberia.
With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, protecting sensitive data, ensuring the privacy of digital communications, and safeguarding national infrastructure have become essential. This year’s event will feature expert discussions on the latest encryption technologies, best practices in digital security, and the role of governments in promoting and supporting encryption as a vital tool for national security.
The support from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has been a critical factor in elevating the event’s profile. The ministry recognizes the need for encryption policies that align with international best practices and foster a secure environment for businesses and individuals to thrive in the digital age. A representative from the Ministry shared their perspective on the partnership with WAIAN for this year’s event:
“We are pleased to support Global Encryption Day 2024 as part of our commitment to improving Liberia’s digital infrastructure. Encryption is a key pillar of our digital strategy, and we believe this event will help shape the future of digital security in Liberia. WAICTANet’s continued leadership on this issue has been instrumental in advancing the dialogue around encryption in our country,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry. Since WAIAN first hosted Global Encryption Day in Liberia, the event has steadily grown in influence, attracting attention from key players across the region. Over the past three years, WAICTANet has used the platform to highlight the importance of digital privacy and security to businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals alike.
In its previous editions, the event brought together tech experts, policymakers, and advocacy groups to discuss challenges and opportunities related to encryption in West Africa. Each year, the discussions have resulted in actionable insights, from promoting end-to-end encryption for personal and professional communications to advocating for stronger digital rights legislation.
“It has been an incredible journey hosting Global Encryption Day for the past three years. We have seen the conversation around encryption grow from a niche topic to a national priority. This year’s event is a continuation of that mission, but with even more urgency as we aim to address the evolving threats posed by cybercrime and data breaches. We want to ensure that every Liberian understands the importance of encryption in protecting their personal information and securing the digital economy.”
This year’s event promises a diverse and engaging lineup of activities, including panel discussions, keynote addresses from cybersecurity experts, workshops on encryption best practices, and interactive demonstrations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the latest encryption technologies and tools, as well as how to apply them in both personal and professional settings.
In addition, WAICTANet will facilitate discussions around policy development, helping governments and businesses understand the importance of adopting encryption-friendly policies that protect digital communications and data while supporting innovation. As part of its ongoing commitment to raising awareness about encryption and digital rights, WAICTANet will also work with partners to develop public education materials that explain encryption in clear, accessible terms, ensuring that all Liberians, regardless of technical expertise, can participate in and benefit from the digital age.
As Global Encryption Day 2024 approaches, WAICTANet remains committed to its vision of a secure, resilient digital future for Liberia and the West African region. By continuing to advocate for strong encryption practices, the organization seeks to build a foundation of trust that will enable individuals, businesses, and governments to fully embrace the opportunities of the digital age.
Peterking Quaye concluded with an optimistic outlook for Liberia’s digital future:
“We are building momentum toward a more secure and inclusive digital society. Encryption is at the heart of that effort, and Global Encryption Day 2024 will serve as a catalyst for further progress. Together with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and our partners, we look forward to leading Liberia into a new era of digital security.”
