(MENAFN) A cybersecurity and artificial intelligence forum scheduled next month in Equatorial Guinea will emphasize “non-Western” strategies for securing digital infrastructure and managing cross-border financial systems, according to organizers.

The event, taking place from September 15 to 17, is supported by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and his government. It seeks to foster discussions on digital and financial sovereignty tailored to the needs of Global South economies.

Alexander Ryzhov, co-chair of the organizing committee, told African Initiative that the forum will focus on models aimed at safeguarding banking, payment, and telecommunications systems. “The main goal of our forum is to present ‘non-Western’ cybersecurity concepts aimed at protecting the banking, payment, and telecommunications industries,” he said.

Key topics will include Russia’s cybersecurity model for critical infrastructure, secure digital payment systems, and cloud storage solutions. Invited Russian participants include Rosatom, Rostelecom, leading commercial banks, IT and cloud service providers, Rossotrudnichestvo, and energy companies such as Gazprom, Rosneft, and Severstal. Other participants include China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), the United Nations Fund for South-South Cooperation, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the BRICS Bank, Asian-African Fund, and Huawei Technologies.

The forum will also address wider strategic and economic matters, including plans for mutual bank accounts, joint investment in mineral resource development, and the creation of a North-South digital and telecommunications corridor, Ryzhov added.

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