The Acting Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, will serve as Chairperson at the 12th Africa Security Symposium (ASEC2025), scheduled to take place from 10–12 June 2025 in Addis Ababa.
The Africa Security Symposium is a premier annual platform that brings together over 350 high-level participants including government officials, international organisations, defence attachés, and private sector actors committed to strengthening peace and security on the African continent.
Air Commodore Akrong is expected to chair the opening panel discussions, which will be headlined by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the African Union Commission, alongside senior representatives of the Ethiopian Ministry of Defence.
The KAIPTC will also host a dedicated matchmaking meeting aimed at facilitating direct engagement between public and private sector partners to explore collaborative solutions for peace and stability. The meeting will support targeted conversations and strategic partnerships to address pressing security challenges such as counterterrorism, border control, technology and innovation, peace support operations, and regional cooperation.
Launched in 2016, ASEC has grown into a significant continental convening platform, rotating between key African capitals including Nairobi, Abidjan, and Dakar. With the 2025 edition returning to Addis Ababa—home to the African Union Headquarters—the event aims to reinforce Africa-led security solutions through inclusive dialogue and public-private partnerships.
This year’s theme, “Securing Africa’s Future: Innovation, Collaboration, and Resilience”, reflects the urgent need for coordinated action and sustainable security frameworks across the continent. The symposium will include interactive panel sessions, a Defence Attachés’ Workshop, an exhibition, cultural networking events, and pre-arranged one-on-one matchmaking meetings.
The participation of Air Commodore Akrong underscores KAIPTC’s continued commitment to advancing African peace and security through collaboration, innovation, and capacity development. His leadership at ASEC2025 is expected to deepen the Centre’s engagement with regional stakeholders and reinforce its role as a critical node in Africa’s peace architecture.
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