Ethiopia Hosts Final Cloud & Security Roadshow

The Africa Cloud & Security Roadshow concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last month as dozens of local and regional industry leaders, policymakers, and cloud computing and cybersecurity professionals gathered to explore current and emerging technology trends.

Powered by BUI East Africa, an award-winning global IT consultancy specialising in cloud, security and networking solutions, and organised by dx5, Africa’s technology driver, the Addis Ababa conference was the third and final leg of the roadshow after similar events in Tanzania and Uganda in May.

Designed to encourage meaningful discussions about cloud computing and cybersecurity and geared towards advancing the technological landscape in East Africa, the roadshow gave attendees a chance to engage with keynote speakers, presenters, and panel guests on a wide variety of topics, from cloud infrastructure to artificial intelligence and advanced security.

While Ethiopia is committed to digital transformation, the country faces many hurdles on its path to change, including digital skills gaps and shortages of cloud and cybersecurity specialists. Roadshow delegates were eager to hear about the technologies and tools available to help small and medium-sized businesses, enterprises and non-profit organisations drive cloud adoption and improve security.

Keynote speaker Hasmukh Chudasama, the general manager of BUI East Africa, delivered an address titled “You’ve been hacked – what next? Your breach response plan”. During his speech, Chudasama outlined the immediate actions to take after a security incident, including incident containment, investigation, and communication strategies. Audience members learned how to minimise damage and swiftly restore operations after a breach.

Chudasama also participated in a panel discussion with colleague Kelvin Ngware, highlighting ways to achieve a Zero Trust security strategy without compromising user experience. Stacy Wanjeri, dx5’s Customer Success Manager, moderated this panel and other group conversations at the Addis Ababa event.

Ngware, BUI East Africa’s Modern Work specialist and technical consultant, gave attendees a comprehensive overview of Copilot for Microsoft 365. He showcased the powerful features of the AI-driven virtual assistant and provided real-world examples of how it can help people become more productive and more efficient at work.

As Ethiopia pushes ahead with its national digital initiatives, effective cloud adoption and cloud enablement will be paramount to its success. Holistic cybersecurity planning – from data protection to disaster recovery – will also be crucial to ensure that organisations across the country are empowered to operate securely and innovate for the future. Events like the Africa Cloud & Security Roadshow provide exclusive access to industry experts who can advise and guide Addis Ababa’s decision-makers on this journey.