The Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) 2025, recently held in Riyadh, has been a milestone event in furthering discussions on the security of the cyberspace, and brought together thought-leaders, decision-makers, and experts from around the world to speak on cybersecurity, online protection, capacity-building, digital infrastructure investment, and global collaboration. For the SAMENA Council and its Members, the forum provided a crucial opportunity to advocate for the region’s priorities and contribute meaningfully to discussions shaping the future of cyberspace.
Bocar BA, CEO of SAMENA Council, played a significant role in highlighting the growing importance of telecom and digital infrastructure in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). During a key panel discussion, BA emphasized that investors are no longer solely evaluating traditional factors like political stability or economic resilience; digital resilience has now become a key consideration. In today’s interconnected world, where everything from banking to healthcare and national defense depends on robust digital systems, countries with secure and resilient telecom networks are more likely to attract global capital. The SAMENA Council underlined that nations able to demonstrate strong cybersecurity frameworks and adopt futuristic approaches are better positioned to seize investment opportunities and drive economic growth.
The SAMENA Council’s message resonated in a broader context, as the forum also addressed the critical need for capacity-building in cyberspace. A global shortage of cybersecurity professionals was identified as a significant challenge, with the forum stressing that countries must act swiftly to close the skills gap. The launch of the Global Initiative for Capacity Building in Cyberspace, a collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the United Nations, was a major highlight, and SAMENA Council welcomed this initiative as a crucial step in improving cybersecurity capabilities across the SA-ME-NA region, especially in the GCC. This initiative aims to provide training, policy development support, and international collaboration to enhance the skills of individuals working in various cybersecurity domains, from policy practitioners to law enforcement personnel.
The SAMENA Council recognizes that such initiatives are essential for equipping countries with the knowledge and expertise needed to safeguard their digital economies in an increasingly complex global cyber landscape.
Through its participation in the GCF 2025, building on to its participations in the forum's earlier editions, the SAMENA Council reinforced its commitment to fostering regional collaborations on critical industry-wide issues and challenges, pointing to successful examples such as the GCC Cybersecurity Initiative and the Smart Africa Alliance. These initiatives showcase the power of collaboration in reducing cyber risks and building stronger collective defenses. The Council advocated for a harmonized approach to cybersecurity standards and the sharing of information across borders, noting that such efforts will demonstrate to investors that the region is prepared for future challenges and capable of managing digital risks collectively.
The SAMENA Council also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, particularly between governments and telecom operators, to develop measurable cybersecurity frameworks and regulatory sandboxes that ensure resilience and transparency in the region’s digital infrastructure. While not directly revoiced during the GCF 2025, the Council maintains that cybersecurity compliance should also be incentivized and telecom operators complying with regulatory requirements should be recognized and rewarded accordingly.
Additionally, the discussions at GCF 2025 touched upon the emerging challenges posed by quantum computing. Experts at the forum noted that the rapid advancements in quantum technology could potentially disrupt traditional encryption methods, posing a future cybersecurity threat. While the SAMENA Council did not directly engage in the specific discourse on quantum computing, the broader implications of these technological shifts are recognized by the Council as critical to future cybersecurity planning. As quantum technologies continue to develop, the need for foresight in strengthening cybersecurity infrastructures to mitigate such risks is becoming clearer. In this regard, the SAMENA Council advocates for proactive measures to prepare for the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow (which will indeed be driven by quantum advancements), ensuring that the region is not only ready to handle present-day digital threats but also resilient in the face of future technological disruptions.
Throughout the event, the SAMENA Council was a strong voice for the importance of treating cybersecurity as a strategic priority, not just as an IT concern or regulatory checkbox. The Council stressed that governments and business leaders must integrate cybersecurity into national security policies and economic strategies to secure long-term stability and growth.
The SAMENA Council’s participation in GCF 2025 reinforced its central role in representing the interests of the telecom and digital ecosystem across the region. With its advocacy for stronger cybersecurity frameworks, regional collaboration, investment, incentivization for operators, and capacity-building, the SAMENA Council aims to ensure that the region can compete effectively in the global digital economy. The Council also strives to ensure that its participation continues to represent the interests of the telecom operators, technology providers, and digital ecosystem players across the SA-ME-NA region.
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Source: SAMENA Council Press release
