Agenda
Monday, 09 June
Ethiopian Skylight Hotel
ASEC2025 Overview
The Africa Security Symposium (ASEC2025) serves as a premier platform addressing critical security, peace, and development challenges across Africa. The 12th edition of ASEC will spotlight the pivotal role of public-private sector collaboration in fostering regional stability, advancing law enforcement, and enhancing military and peace support operations. Key topics include border security, counter-terrorism, logistics, and technology-driven solutions for effective governance.
Through a range of workshops, exhibition, high-level discussion panels, networking and 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings, and by uniting governments, international organisations, private enterprises, and civil society, the Africa Security Symposium seeks to drive actionable solutions to combat extremism, manage displacement, and promote sustainable development.
14:00 - 19:00
ASEC 2025 Pre-event Registration
Attendees may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass (business card required). Sponsors are asked to setup their exhibition booths from 4pm onwards. The ASEC registration desk will remain open all afternoon for those attending the afternoon workshops etc.
16:00 - 18:00
Defence Attachés' Workshop
Welcoming Defence Attachés' from across the continent, this dedicated workshop will follow a round-table format allowing for open discussion and Q&A. Delegates will discuss lessons learned, current challenges and future priorities across the peace and stability spectrum. Attendees will also discuss private sector support on the continent, where those major challenges lie, what solutions are available and how they might be implemented.
19:00 - 21:00
Evening Networking Reception
Attendees are invited to meet for an 'ice-breaker' Networking Reception to discuss the three days ahead in a relaxed and informal setting, whilst enjoying a range of canapés and refreshments. Also, an ideal opportunity for panellists to engage with ASEC2025's Chairpersons.
Tuesday 10 June
Ethiopian Skylight Hotel
8:00 - 8:50
Networking Registration
If not already done so, ASEC2025 attendees may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass (business card required) whilst networking and enjoying tea & coffee.
8:50 - 9:10
Opening Ceremony
Opening Remarks from PNYX and ASEC2025's Day One Chair
9:10 - 9:20
Opening Keynote Address
9:20 - 10:20
Panel 1: Border Security and Transnational Crime
ASEC2025’s opening panel explores critical challenges and opportunities in addressing border security and transnational crime across Africa’s land, sea, and air domains. Key issues include balancing the need for secure borders with the imperative of facilitating free movement under the African Continental Free Trade Area. This discussion delves into combating human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illicit arms trade, emphasising the role of technology, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency cooperation. Panellists highlight innovative public-private sector partnerships and regional collaborations to enhance border management, safeguard communities, and disrupt criminal networks, promoting stability and development across the continent.
10:10 - 10:20
Audience discussion; question & answer session
10:20 - 10:40
Networking Tea & Coffee Break
10:40 - 10:50
Keynote Address
10:50 - 11:50
Panel 2: Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism
Panel two explores comprehensive approaches to counter terrorism and violent extremism across Africa, underlining multi-stakeholder collaboration. Discussions focus on government-led strategies, regional security cooperation, and community-driven initiatives addressing root causes like socioeconomic disparities and political instability. Panellists examine the role of education, youth engagement, and economic empowerment in prevention efforts, while also highlighting the importance of countering extremist narratives. This session aims to identify sustainable solutions to bolster Africa’s peace and security, affirming the need to foster partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector to enhance intelligence sharing, infrastructure resilience, and inclusive development.
11:40 - 11:50
Audience discussion; question & answer session
11:50 - 12:10
Networking Tea & Coffee Break
12:10 - 13:10
Panel 3: Policing and Law Enforcement Reform
Concluding day one’s discussions, panel three explores critical issues and strategies for policing and law enforcement reform across Africa. A focus will be placed on the integration of technology to modernise police operations, improve data management, and enhance surveillance capabilities. Key topics include the need for capacity building in under-resourced regions and remote areas, ensuring effective policing despite logistical challenges. Emphasis will also be placed on advancing cross-border intelligence sharing and regional cooperation to combat transnational crime and terrorism. Panellists discuss how reforms can promote accountability, human rights, and community trust while enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement agencies across Africa.
13:00 - 13:10
Audience discussion; question & answer session
13:10 - 14:30
Networking Lunch Break
14:30 - 17:30
ASEC Public-Private Sector 1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings
Afternoon session dedicated to introductory 15-minute 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government (defence, interior & police), U.S., United Nations & NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global solution providers. Schedules are prearranged to provide a unique networking opportunity to further sustainable peacekeeping and security efforts across the continent.
Wednesday, 11 June
Ethiopian Skylight Hotel
8:30 - 9:00
Networking Registration
If not already done so, ASEC2025 attendees may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass (business card required) whilst networking and enjoying tea & coffee.
9:00 - 9:10
Day Two Welcoming Remarks
9:10 - 9:20
Keynote Address
9:20 - 10:20
Panel 4: Advancing Peace Support Operations in Africa
Day two begins with panel four, exploring critical aspects of enhancing Peace Support Operations (PSOs) in Africa, accentuating sustainable strategies for capacity building, fostering collaboration with local communities, and leveraging public-private partnerships. Key issues include strengthening regional peacekeeping capabilities, addressing resource and logistical constraints, and ensuring inclusivity in mission planning and execution. Panellists demonstrate how local engagement can enhance operational effectiveness and explore innovative financing models to support long-term peace initiatives. By fostering dialogue among stakeholders, this session aims to identify actionable steps to strengthen Africa’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges and promote enduring stability across the continent.
10:10 - 10:20
Audience discussion; question & answer session
10:20 - 10:40
Networking Tea & Coffee Break
10:40 - 10:50
Keynote Address
10:50 - 11:50
Panel 5: Displacement, Migration, and Humanitarian Crises
Panel five will explores the complex interplay of displacement, migration, and humanitarian crises in Africa, focusing on their implications for regional stability and security. Key issues include the drivers of forced displacement, such as conflict, climate change, and economic hardship, and their cascading impact on host communities, infrastructure, and governance. Discussions highlight strategies for safeguarding vulnerable populations, strengthening border management, and mitigating risks of trafficking and extremism. Panellists underscore collaborative solutions, including regional frameworks, international partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives, to address immediate needs while fostering long-term resilience and sustainable development in affected areas
11:40 - 11:50
Audience discussion; question & answer session
11:50 - 12:10
Networking Tea & Coffee Break
12:10 - 12:30
Panel 6: Health Security
Day two’s discussions at ASEC2025 conclude with panel six, exploring Health Security in Africa, addressing critical challenges such as the vulnerability of marginalised communities, ethnic disparities, and the impact of ongoing conflicts on healthcare access. Focus areas include strengthening health systems, addressing infectious diseases, and improving healthcare infrastructure, especially in conflict zones. Panellists discuss community-driven solutions to enhance local resilience, the importance of including vulnerable groups such as women and children, and how ethnic tensions can affect healthcare delivery. Additionally, public-private partnerships are examined as a key strategy to mobilise resources, technology, and innovation to improve health security across the continent.
12:20 - 12:30
Audience discussion; question & answer session
12:30 - 14:00
Networking Lunch Break
14:00 - 17:00
ASEC Public-Private Sector 1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings
Afternoon session dedicated to introductory 15-minute 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government (defence, interior & police), U.S., United Nations & NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global solution providers. Schedules are prearranged to provide a unique networking opportunity to further sustainable peacekeeping and security efforts across the continent.
18:00 - 18:30
Event Dinner - Transport
For those that require it, transport is included with an ASEC2025 Event Dinner Ticket (please confirm at the on-site PNYX registration desk). Transport will depart from the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel Lobby at 6PM for a 6:30PM start, returning back to the Hotel at approx. 10PM.
19:00 - 22:00
Event Dinner
ASEC2025 attendees are invited to join us for an informal Event Dinner, to experience the food, ambience and entertainment Addis Ababa has to offer. A relaxed evening of further networking and discussion whilst enjoying refreshments and great food! For more information, please contact a member of the PNYX team.
Thursday, 12 June
Ethiopian Skylight Hotel
8:30 - 9:00
Networking Registration
If not already done so, ASEC2025 attendees may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass (business card required) whilst networking and enjoying tea & coffee.
9:00 - 9:10
Day Three Welcoming Remarks
9:10 - 9:20
Keynote Address
9:20 - 10:20
Panel 7: Cybersecurity and Digital Threats
Day three of ASEC2025 begins with panel seven’s discussion on Cybersecurity and Digital Threats in Africa, addressing the ever-growing challenges posed by cybercrime, data breaches, and digital vulnerabilities across the continent. Key issues include securing critical infrastructure, protecting personal and financial data, and enhancing the reliability and safety of digital systems. Panellists explore private sector solutions, emphasising the role of businesses in safeguarding digital assets through innovation and collaboration. Focus areas include the adoption of alternative technologies like blockchain and AI, alongside the cost implications for both public and private sectors in strengthening cybersecurity measures and responding to evolving digital threats.
10:10 - 10:20
Audience discussion; question & answer session
10:20 - 10:40
Networking Tea & Coffee Break
10:40 - 10:50
Keynote Address
10:50 - 11:50
Panel 8: Logistics and Supply Chain Security
Panel eight explores the critical role of logistics and supply chain security in Africa, focusing on key challenges such as infrastructure gaps, geopolitical instability, and the rise of criminal networks. Panellists discuss how these issues affect the region’s ability to manage the movement of goods and services efficiently, particularly in conflict zones and remote areas. Emphasis will once again be placed on the importance of public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency, innovation, and resilience. Collaboration between governments, international organisations, and the private sector can help secure supply chains, streamline operations, and foster regional economic integration while addressing security risks and vulnerabilities.
11:40 - 11:50
Audience discussion; question & answer session
11:50 - 12:10
Networking Tea & Coffee Break
12:10 - 13:10
Panel 9: Communications Infrastructure and Accessibility
Panel nine, the final discussion of ASEC2025 addresses the critical issues surrounding communications infrastructure and accessibility in Africa, exploring challenges and opportunities across the continent. Key areas of focus include expanding access to reliable communication networks, particularly in underserved and rural regions, and ensuring affordability through innovative financing models. The discussion examines the role of partnerships in bridging digital divides, as well as the importance of reliable infrastructure in supporting economic growth, education, and health systems. Additionally, the panel will highlight strategies to enhance resilience against disruptions, such as climate-related challenges, and promote equitable access for all African communities.
13:00 - 13:10
Audience discussion; question & answer session
13:10 - 13:30
Recognition & Thanks
Thanks and recognition from PNYX and ASEC2025's Chairs
13:30 - 14:30
Networking Lunch Break
14:30 - 17:30
ASEC Public-Private Sector 1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings
Afternoon session dedicated to introductory 15-minute 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government (defence, interior & police), U.S., United Nations & NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global solution providers. Schedules are prearranged to provide a unique networking opportunity to further sustainable peacekeeping and security efforts across the continent.