Last fall, Voices For Innovation (VFI) Advisory Task Force member Madinah Ali traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, for Cyberweek Africa. It was one of the highlights of the year, giving her the chance to share her expertise in two keynotes and on two panels. She also learned more about the challenges and opportunities for technology in Kenya and throughout Africa.

VFI recently connected with Madinah to discuss her takeaways from Cyberweek Africa—and to learn more about her business, SafePC Solutions, and her work as a VFI advocacy leader. Our conversation has been edited for clarity and length.

First, tell us briefly about your business, SafePC Solutions.

SafePC Solutions is an Atlanta-based IT provider. We help small businesses, mid-market enterprises, and non-profits establish and operate reliable, secure cloud services and backups. Our focus is on compliance, data governance, and security, especially with the emergence of generative AI. Through SafePC EdTech, we provide training focused on earning Microsoft certifications, with an emphasis on serving women and minority communities.

How did you decide to go to Cyberweek Africa?

I’d traveled to Africa before, but never to East Africa, and Cyberweek Africa presented a unique opportunity to experience a part of the continent I hadn’t yet explored. More importantly, it aligned closely with my passion for advancing cybersecurity awareness, digital trust, and inclusive innovation on a global scale.

Cyberweek Africa brought together policymakers, technologists, educators, and industry leaders who are actively shaping the region’s digital future. Attending gave me the chance not only to learn from the local context—how cybersecurity challenges and opportunities present themselves in emerging and rapidly growing digital economies—but also to contribute my own expertise and perspective around AI governance, cybersecurity resilience, and workforce development.

For me, it wasn’t just about attending a conference; it was about engaging in meaningful dialogue, building cross-continental partnerships, and supporting the development of secure and responsible digital ecosystems. East Africa is experiencing tremendous growth in technological adoption, and being part of that conversation, particularly around ethics, security, and capacity-building, was both timely and necessary.

Madinah Ali speaks at Cyberweek Africa

What is Cyberweek Africa?

Cyberweek Africa is an international conference hosted by the Kenya School of Government (KSG) and Cyberpro Global, which is a premier cybersecurity training organization with academic partnerships with organizations such as the University of Nairobi, Tel Aviv University, and the National Computer Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4). 

As the name suggests, the conference is focused on cybersecurity, but it covers a lot more. In 2025, the conference also focused on responsible AI, compliance, and data governance. About 2,000 people attended from countries around the world.

What did you share with Cyberweek Africa attendees as a U.S.-based Microsoft partner and an experienced policy advocate?

I highlighted some of the key points from Microsoft’s responsible AI principles, with an emphasis on data governance. In the U.S., it’s easy to take our resources and norms for granted when it comes to data governance. Kenya’s technology sector and users would benefit from stronger data protections and oversight. I was also able to share the training that SafePC Solutions built in partnership with Praxis AI, which is the Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program built on a generative AI platform, and introduce AI agent Superhero Ali.

What challenges do Kenya and other African nations face when it comes to technology growth and adoption?

In parts of Africa, including Kenya, there is a lot of technology talent, but not enough jobs or investment in young people. Microsoft is one of the leading employers for technology talent in Kenya, and the United Nations (UN) global Hub for Africa and the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, which is the regional hub for East Africa, have created local jobs. Many U.S. expats live in Kenya, and they’re there to help grow both public and private partnerships by accessing Kenya’s growing technology talent.

Another issue is the need to strengthen generative AI in other languages, such as Swahili. From the perspective of Kenyans, leading AI companies should build AI tools and LLMs using content in Swahili and Kikuyu. This is already happening, but more could be done.

What can the U.S. technology sector learn from Kenya and other nations in Africa?

Mentorship is a big part of the tech ecosystem in Kenya. I jumped in and am now mentoring a young tech professional to help her strengthen cybersecurity at the Kenya Chapter of the Global Council for Responsible AI (GCRAI), as well as helping up-and-coming young entrepreneurs. I’m hoping to help bring Women in Cloud (WIC) programs to Kenya as well. In the U.S., we could leverage our mentorship programs to improve and create jobs for young people in Kenya and throughout Africa and the African diaspora.

Are you planning to return to Kenya for Cyberweek Africa 2026?

Yes, we plan on being a lead sponsor and sending the SafePC team to do some collaborative training on AI governance. We will also highlight Microsoft’s Community-First AI Infrastructure initiative, and we hope to see other technology companies implement similar programs.

One final question: How is your involvement with VFI helping your career and business?

Prior to my trip to Cyberweek Africa, I attended the 2026 VFI Policy Summit, in which we were briefed about Microsoft’s role in responsible AI, as well as emerging technologies such as quantum computing. This summit helped me craft some of my keynote discussions and training at the conference.

It also provides me with the opportunity to speak with local policymakers. In Atlanta, Georgia, I recently spoke with a state senator about AI. Because he didn’t understand AI and worried about job losses, he wanted to put a lot of controls in place. I explained that AI improves productivity and helps businesses grow, but that overreaching regulations could drive away businesses and jobs. Once he heard that from me, a small tech business owner, he had a better understanding of the technology and the potential consequences of overregulation. It is important that we focus on AI digital literacy and reskill and upskill the workforce to ensure that communities do not fear job loss.

What’s happening in this age of generative AI reminds me of the famous quote from Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, “We must think globally but act locally.”

Thank you for talking with us!