TLDR: Industry leaders, experts, and policymakers gathered in Abuja for the 17th annual ISACA conference, advocating for comprehensive AI governance frameworks to ensure responsible deployment, mitigate risks, and foster digital trust. The conference, themed ‘AI & Digital Trust: A Global Perspective on Opportunities, Threats, and Future Strategies,’ emphasized ethical AI adoption, regulatory clarity, and the importance of security and privacy in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Abuja, Nigeria – Global stakeholders converged in Nigeria’s capital for the 17th annual ISACA Abuja Chapter Conference, held from August 26th to 28th, 2025, to address the critical need for robust Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance frameworks. The conference, themed ‘AI & Digital Trust: A Global Perspective on Opportunities, Threats, and Future Strategies,’ served as a pivotal platform for industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss the responsible deployment of AI technologies.
Discussions at the conference centered on navigating the complexities of AI adoption, understanding inherent risks, and tackling regulatory challenges. A significant focus was placed on developing ethical AI practices, implementing effective risk mitigation strategies, and establishing comprehensive governance models designed to enhance digital trust. Participants underscored the imperative of ensuring security, privacy, and compliance as AI continues to integrate into various sectors.
The event’s agenda included diverse conference tracks covering Cybersecurity, Privacy, Governance, Audit, Career/Leadership Development, Digital Trust, Emerging Technology, and IT/Risk Compliance. These sessions aimed to provide actionable insights for organizations seeking to harness AI responsibly while safeguarding critical digital assets. The conference also featured the 2025 CISO of the Year Awards, celebrating individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in governance, risk management, compliance, and cybersecurity.
A call for speakers highlighted the conference’s commitment to fostering critical conversations around ethical AI adoption, robust governance frameworks, and regulatory challenges. Experts were encouraged to contribute their insights to influence the future of digital trust and assist organizations in navigating the evolving digital landscape.
The discussions in Abuja reflect a broader regional commitment to integrating AI responsibly. Another significant event, the African Digital Economy and Inclusivity Conference (AFDEIC 2025), held earlier in August (12-14) in Abuja, also explored ‘AI and Africa’s Digital Economy: Leaving No One Behind.’ Adedayo Oketola, Team Lead of the AFDEIC Organising Committee, emphasized the need to address significant digital infrastructure gaps and ensure equitable access to AI’s benefits across the continent. He stated, ‘AFDEIC 2025 will explore how AI can be harnessed responsibly and equitably to accelerate development across the continent.’ These concurrent discussions underscore a unified regional push for strategic, ethical, and inclusive AI development and governance.
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The consensus among stakeholders is clear: as AI’s influence grows across healthcare, security, policymaking, and education, a multidisciplinary and human-centered approach to governance is essential to ensure its benefits are realized responsibly and equitably for all.
