Background
The International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA), an international non-governmental organization registered in Rwanda, held its inaugural conference (ISCA2025) at the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, on 19–20 May 2025. His Excellency President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda graced the event, which brought together policymakers, security and military chiefs, diplomats and international partners. ISCA 2025 represents the first international security conference of its kind, focused on Africa by Africans and partners. Calls were made during the conference for African ownership, stronger institutions, and purposeful partnerships in security and development.
Sessions
Opening Ceremony
During the opening ceremonies, the key speakers comprised the Guest of Honour, His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda;…
Global Conflict Hotspots: Securing Africa in a Fragmented World
The panel, “Global Conflict Hotspots: Securing Africa in a Fragmented World,” convened diverse voices, including African and international leaders,…
Strengthening Africa’s Bargaining Power
The high-level panel “Strengthening the Bargaining Power in Africa,” brought together African and international leaders to interrogate the continent’s…
Private Military Companies and Foreign Military Bases in Africa: Implications for African Security and Sovereignty
The panel “Private Military Companies and Foreign Military Bases in Africa: Implications for African Security and Sovereignty” gathered senior…
Protecting Critical Infrastructure Against Cyber Threats
With exploding digital transformation, Africa’s prosperity is increasingly bound to its digital infrastructure and the data flows that sustain it.…
Global Media Narratives – The Cost of Misrepresenting Africa
Media narratives shape realities. Nowhere is this more consequential or controversial than in coverage of Africa, where international and local media…
Critical Raw Materials and Supply Chain Warfare: Africa’s Role
The panel “Critical Raw Materials and Supply Chain Warfare: Africa’s Role”, convened some of Africa’s foremost thinkers and practitioners to address…
Precision Strikes in the Digital Age: Reimagining Offensive and Defensive Capabilities
The roundtable, “Precision Strikes in The Digital Age: Reimagining Offensive and Defensive Capabilities,” provided a critical and timely assessment…
Countering the Growing Threats of Terrorism in Africa
The ISCA roundtable on “Countering the Growing Threats of Terrorism in Africa”, brought together senior security and intelligence leaders to grapple…
Africa’s View on Deterrence – A Unique Approach
The ISCA panel “Africa’s Views on Deterrence – A Unique Approach,” moderated by Associate Professor Emily Comfort Maractho, brought together…
What is the Future of Peacekeeping Missions in Africa?
The panel, titled “What is the Future of Peacekeeping Missions in Africa?”, brought together an esteemed group of practitioners and analysts deeply…
Borderlands in crisis: security, identity, and marginalisation in Africa
The panel discussion titled “Borderlands in Crisis: Security, Identity, and Marginalisation in Africa,” offered a deep and multidimensional…
Building Trust for Intra-African Investment
The panel on “Building Trust for Intra-African Investment” gathered leading voices to probe one of the continent’s most urgent challenges and…