The GSPEN Virtual Summit 2026 is a premier online event organized by the Global South Professional & Economic Network (GSPEN), focusing on cybersecurity and data privacy challenges in emerging economies. Scheduled from February 2 to 5, 2026, this summit aims to equip leaders with actionable strategies to secure digital infrastructures and navigate evolving threats.
Key topics include core cybersecurity defense strategies, data privacy and compliance for emerging markets, AI governance and innovation, and immersive simulation workshops. Each session offers practical tools, regional case studies, and global insights tailored to the unique needs of the Global South.
Participants will have opportunities for networking, access to an expo hall featuring industry solutions, and sessions led by notable speakers such as Niel Harper, Shamane Tan, and Jason Lau. Attendees can earn the Global South Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Specialist Certificate upon completing all sessions.
This summit is ideal for CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, CSOs, CISOs, IT managers, cybersecurity professionals, public sector leaders, and legal and compliance experts seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in cybersecurity and data privacy within the context of emerging economies.
Speakers(26)
Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola
Chairman at African Union Cyber Security Experts Group
Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola is the chairman of the African Union Cyber Security Experts Group, contributing to cybersecurity policy development in Africa.
Andrea Chisholm Anglin
Summit Co-host
Andrea Chisholm Anglin served as a co-host for the GSPEN Virtual Summit 2026, contributing to the event's organization and execution.
Christophe Foulon
Security Advisor & Cybersecurity Coach at CPF Coaching
Christophe Foulon is a security advisor and cybersecurity coach at CPF Coaching, providing guidance on security best practices.
Darryl Strachan
Summit Host
Darryl Strachan served as the host for the GSPEN Virtual Summit 2026, facilitating discussions and guiding sessions throughout the event.
Douglas Davidson
Summit Co-host
Douglas Davidson served as a co-host for the GSPEN Virtual Summit 2026, assisting in facilitating the event's sessions.
Dr. Ann Cavoukian
Founder at Privacy by Design Centre of Excellence
Dr. Ann Cavoukian is the founder of the Privacy by Design Centre of Excellence, advocating for privacy-centric approaches in technology.
Dr. Blake Curtis
Senior Leader, AI Risk Management, Strategy, & Governance at Amazon
Dr. Blake Curtis is a senior leader at Amazon, focusing on AI risk management, strategy, and governance to enable secure innovation.
Dr. Bright Gameli Mawudor
Founder at AfricaHackon
Dr. Bright Gameli Mawudor is the founder of AfricaHackon, a platform dedicated to advancing cybersecurity awareness and skills in Africa.
Dr. Brij B. Gupta
Director at International Center for AI & Cyber Security Research & Innovations
Dr. Brij B. Gupta is the director of the International Center for AI & Cyber Security Research & Innovations, leading research in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo
Fellow at Center for Technology Innovation at The Brookings Institution
Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo is a fellow at the Center for Technology Innovation at The Brookings Institution, focusing on technology policy and innovation.
Dr. Karnika Seth
Cyberlaw Advocate/Managing Partner at Seth Associates
Dr. Karnika Seth is a cyberlaw advocate and managing partner at Seth Associates, providing legal expertise in cyber law.
Dr. Magda Chelly
Co-Founder at RiskImmune
Dr. Magda Chelly is the co-founder of RiskImmune, specializing in cybersecurity risk management solutions.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj
Chief Researcher at Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
Dr. Najwa Aaraj is a cybersecurity and cryptography expert, serving as the chief researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII).
Greg Richards
Security Architect/Principal Consultant at Quisitive
Greg Richards is a security architect and principal consultant at Quisitive, specializing in designing and implementing secure systems.
Jason Lau
Chief Information Security Officer at Crypto.com
Jason Lau is the Chief Information Security Officer at Crypto.com, responsible for the company's information security and compliance.
Jodi Daniels
Founder & CEO at Red Clover Advisors
Jodi Daniels is the founder and CEO of Red Clover Advisors, a firm dedicated to data privacy and compliance consulting.
Juliana Rotich
Co-Founder at Ushahidi & iHub
Juliana Rotich is a Kenyan technologist and entrepreneur, known for co-founding Ushahidi and iHub, platforms that have significantly contributed to technological innovation in Africa.
Kellye-Rae (Fisher) Campbell
Group Head of Privacy, AI & Data Governance at Digicel Group
Kellye-Rae (Fisher) Campbell is the group head of privacy, AI, and data governance at Digicel Group, overseeing data protection and compliance strategies.
Lt. Colonel (Retired) Godphey O. Sterling
Director at Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team
Lt. Colonel (Retired) Godphey O. Sterling is the director of the Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team, managing national cyber incident responses.
Niel Harper
Global Chief Security Officer (GCSO) at JetBrains
Niel Harper is the Global Chief Security Officer at JetBrains, overseeing the company's security strategies and operations.
Patricia Adusei-Poku
Executive Director at Ghana Data Protection Commission
Patricia Adusei-Poku is the executive director of the Ghana Data Protection Commission, overseeing data protection initiatives in Ghana.
Patricia Roweseale
Cybersecurity Consultant at Caribbean Region
Patricia Roweseale is a cybersecurity consultant in the Caribbean region, offering expertise in securing digital infrastructures.
Rory Ebanks
Director of Cybersecurity at Symptai Consulting Limited
Rory Ebanks is the director of cybersecurity at Symptai Consulting Limited, leading the company's cybersecurity services.
Rosalind Lake
Director at Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa
Rosalind Lake is a director at Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa, specializing in legal, privacy, and compliance matters.
Shamane Tan
Cybersecurity Leader & Global Community Builder
Shamane Tan is a cybersecurity leader and global community builder, known for her efforts in connecting professionals in the cybersecurity field.
Zee Kin Yeong
Former Deputy Commissioner at Personal Data Protection Commission of Singapore
Zee Kin Yeong is the former deputy commissioner of the Personal Data Protection Commission of Singapore, with extensive experience in data protection regulations.
Event Details
- Date
- February 2-5, 2026
- 4 days
- Location
- Virtual
- Pricing
- $175 - $3,000
- Audience
- CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, CSOs, CISOs, IT managers, cybersecurity professionals, public sector leaders, legal and compliance experts