MEFMI, through its Business Development Unit, conducted a five-day workshop on Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies from 3 to 7 August 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The programme brought together professionals from central banks, financial institutions, government institutions and the private sector from across the MEFMI region and beyond. It focused on strengthening practical capabilities in cybersecurity, AI governance, emerging technologies, risk management and organisational resilience.
Participants examined the evolving cyber threat landscape and explored how artificial intelligence, cloud computing, connected devices and automation are being used both to support innovation and to facilitate increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
A significant focus was placed on responsible AI adoption and governance, including AI ethics, data protection and privacy, AI-driven threats, compliance, AI sovereignty and data sovereignty. Other areas covered included cloud security, digital infrastructure risk, Internet of Things and critical systems, business continuity, crisis response and quantum and post-quantum cryptography.
The workshop incorporated practical exercises, case studies, group discussions and simulations, including compliance gap analysis, AI governance simulations, AI-assisted incident response, prompt engineering and AI risk-scoring exercises.
The programme reinforced that cybersecurity is not solely a technical responsibility. Strong leadership, clear accountability, skilled professionals, sound governance and sustained investment are essential to building institutional resilience.
As institutions increasingly adopt AI and other emerging technologies, MEFMI remains committed to supporting responsible technology governance and stronger digital resilience across the region.
By Sharon Wallett