On May 30-31, 2023, a pivotal webinar took place under the theme “STRENGTHENING NUCLEAR SECURITY IN AFRICA: Implementing the Amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM) for a Safer Future”. Hubert K. Foy from the African Center for Science and International Security (AFRICSIS) and Scott Roecker from Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) organized the event, which drew a global audience, from Africa, Europe, to the USA.
The webinar aimed at emphasizing the urgent need for Africa to implement the A/CPPNM and shed light on its provisions and implications for nuclear security. Leading voices in the nuclear field offered their expert insights and experiences.
Keynote speakers included Mr. Enobat Agboraw from the Africa Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins from the US Department of State, and Mr. Ismail Balla from the UN 1540 Support Unit for Disarmament Affairs. They underscored international cooperation and shared responsibility for nuclear security and highlighted the critical role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The agenda also encompassed discussions around setting tangible goals for the IAEA 2024 International Conference on Nuclear Security, implementing the A/CPPNM in nuclear facilities, and understanding the nuclear security landscape. Speakers addressed the challenges that African countries face in enhancing their nuclear security capabilities and the necessity for international support and capacity-building initiatives.
For the invited OSDIFE team, the webinar served as a platform for knowledge enrichment on Africa’s nuclear security challenges, trends, and advancements. The event facilitated networking opportunities with participating organizations, potentially paving the way for future partnerships, joint projects, and knowledge-sharing prospects.
The event affirmed that the nuclear security sphere in Africa requires substantial capacity-building efforts. The OSDIFE team plans to use the insights from the webinar to raise awareness within its network about Africa’s nuclear security industry, potentially fostering future collaborations.
