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, leading efforts to enhance cybersecurity across the continent.
Andrea Chisholm Anglin
Summit Co-host
Andrea Chisholm Anglin served as a co-host for the GSPEN Virtual Summit 2026, assisting in the coordination and moderation of the event.
Christophe Foulon
Security Advisor & Cybersecurity Coach at CPF Coaching
Christophe Foulon is a Security Advisor and Cybersecurity Coach at CPF Coaching, providing guidance and training to organizations and individuals.
Darryl Strachan
Summit Host
Darryl Strachan served as the host for the GSPEN Virtual Summit 2026, facilitating discussions and sessions throughout the event.
Douglas Davidson
Summit Co-host
Douglas Davidson served as a co-host for the GSPEN Virtual Summit 2026, facilitating various sessions and discussions.
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 and business.
Dr. Blake Curtis
Senior Leader, AI Risk Management, Strategy, & Governance Business Enablement & Secure Innovation at Amazon
Dr. Blake Curtis is a Senior Leader at Amazon, focusing on AI risk management, strategy, governance, and 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 AI 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, researching 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 and data protection.
Dr. Magda Chelly
Co-Founder at RiskImmune
Dr. Magda Chelly is the Co-Founder of RiskImmune, a company specializing in risk management and cybersecurity solutions.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj
Chief Researcher at Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
Dr. Najwa Aaraj is the Chief Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), specializing in cybersecurity and cryptography.
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 data protection strategies.
Jodi Daniels
Founder & CEO at Red Clover Advisors
Jodi Daniels is the Founder and CEO of Red Clover Advisors, providing data privacy consulting services to organizations.
Juliana Rotich
Co-Founder at Ushahidi & iHub
Juliana Rotich is the Co-Founder of Ushahidi and iHub, organizations focused on technology innovation and community building 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 & Data Governance at Digicel Group, overseeing the company's privacy and data governance 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 the country's response to cyber incidents.
Niel Harper
Global Chief Security Officer at JetBrains
Niel Harper is the Global Chief Security Officer at JetBrains, overseeing the company's global security strategy 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 and privacy initiatives in Ghana.
Patricia Roweseale
Cybersecurity Consultant at Caribbean Region
Patricia Roweseale is a cybersecurity consultant specializing in the Caribbean region, providing expertise and guidance on cybersecurity matters.
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 and solutions.
Rosalind Lake
Director at Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa
Rosalind Lake is a Director at Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa, specializing in legal aspects of cybersecurity and data privacy.
Shamane Tan
Cybersecurity Leader & Global Community Builder
Shamane Tan is a renowned cybersecurity leader and global community builder, known for her efforts in connecting professionals and fostering collaboration 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 expertise in data protection and privacy laws.
Event Details
- Date
- February 2-5, 2026
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Pricing
- $175 - $3,000
- Audience
- CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, CSOs, CISOs, IT managers, cybersecurity professionals, public sector leaders, legal and compliance experts