EACA Summit 2026

Professor, Cybersecurity Expert & Founder

Bay Atlantic University | Raeye Children Aid (RCA)

Dr. Tsige Tessema

Professor at Bay Atlantic University and a seasoned cybersecurity expert with a PhD in Cybersecurity. Dr. Tsige Tessema has extensive experience defending mission-critical infrastructures and advancing cybersecurity education and research. She is the Founder of Raeye Children Aid (RCA) and CyberEdge Innovation Hub.

Associate Professor & CEO

Marymount University / RTS

Dr. Alex V. Mbaziira

Associate Professor of Cyber, AI and IT at Marymount University and CEO of Render Technology Systems. Two-decade career in cyber operations, AI, and computational psychology with over $5 million in research grants.

Co-Founder & Executive Director | Business Development Manager

KG Cyber | GetAS International

Rebeka Asfaw

Rebeka Asfaw is a workforce development and business development professional with over 10 years of experience in Canada's employment sector. Her expertise spans career development, employer engagement, internship and co-op programs, job placement, and workforce readiness initiatives. She is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of KG Cyber, where she leads strategic initiatives to advance cybersecurity talent development and regional collaboration, and serves as Business Development Manager at GetAS International, driving partnerships and business growth. As Founder of the Ethiopian Career Development Initiative, she is committed to creating pathways that connect education, skills development, and employment opportunities. Through her leadership at KG Cyber and her work with the East Africa Cyber & AI Summit, she focuses on building strategic partnerships that strengthen workforce capacity and accelerate talent development across emerging technology industries.

President

Addis Ababa Science and Technology University

Dr. Dereje Engida

Dr. Dereje Engida Woldemichael is an accomplished academic leader with extensive experience in higher education, science, technology, and innovation. As President of Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, he provides strategic leadership to advance research, academic excellence, and innovation while strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Under his leadership, the university has championed institutional transformation, expanded research and industry partnerships, and fostered a culture of innovation and excellence. Dr. Dereje is committed to developing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technology leaders, contributing to Ethiopia's growing innovation ecosystem.

Associate Professor of Digital Transformation and Cyber Security | Vice Dean, College of Informatics

University of Gondar

Dr. Yelkal Mulualem Walle

Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation at the University of Gondar, and the Smart City Director at the Gondar City Administration. He has 15 years of experience in Research, Community Service, and Technology Transfer, with a focus on cybersecurity and Digital Transformation.

Assistant Professor and Head of High Performance Computing and Big Data Analytics Center of Excellence

Addis Ababa Science and Technology University

Dr. Yodit Gebrealif

A COE Head at AASTU and researcher specializing in cloud federation, container orchestration, and trust mechanisms for secure cloud formation. Ph.D. in Technology Management, Economics, and Policy from Seoul National University (Smart City Global Convergence). Expertise spans AI-based knowledge management, citizen participation in smart cities, and agent-based modeling.

Cybersecurity Audit & Evaluation Director

Information Network Security Administration (INSA), Ethiopia

Dr. Tilahun Ejigu

Dr. Tilahun Ejigu Belay is a cybersecurity governance, audit, and risk management leader with more than 12 years of experience advancing national cyber resilience, information security, and digital transformation. As the Cybersecurity Audit & Evaluation Director at Ethiopia's Information Network Security Administration (INSA), he leads national cybersecurity audit programs, compliance assessments, security evaluations, and governance initiatives that strengthen the country's cybersecurity posture. His expertise spans cybersecurity governance, information security auditing, cyber risk management, vulnerability assessment, security architecture, compliance, and critical infrastructure protection. Leveraging internationally recognized frameworks including ISO/IEC 27001, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, COBIT, PCI DSS, and Zero Trust principles, Dr. Tilahun works to enhance organizational resilience, strengthen security assurance, and support the secure adoption of emerging technologies across public and private sectors.

Director, Cyber Excellence Center

Information Network Security Administration (INSA), Ethiopia

Bishaw Beyene

Bishaw Beyene is a cybersecurity leader and talent development strategist with nearly two decades of experience advancing Ethiopia's national cybersecurity capabilities and digital workforce. Since joining the Information Network Security Administration (INSA) in 2007, he has held a range of leadership roles and currently serves as Director of the Cyber Excellence Center, where he leads initiatives to strengthen national cyber capacity, professional development, and organizational excellence. His expertise spans cybersecurity leadership, workforce development, strategic planning, and capacity building. Passionate about developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, Bishaw leads youth talent identification and mentorship initiatives that cultivate future digital leaders while supporting Ethiopia's growing cybersecurity and innovation ecosystem.

Senior CyberSecurity and GRC leader

Hannah Demmisse

Hannah Demmisse is a senior cybersecurity and Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) professional based in the UK, with extensive experience designing and governing cybersecurity risk frameworks aligned to internationally recognized standards. With a career spanning financial services, professional services, and technology sectors, she brings a broad, cross-industry perspective to cybersecurity risk management, driving the transformation of cyber risk governance programs to enhance maturity and resilience across global organizations.

PhD candidate and Responsible AI researcher

University of Windsor

Safiia Mohammed

Safiia Mohammed is a PhD candidate and Responsible AI researcher at the University of Windsor, Canada, specializing in AI/ML privacy, security, accountability, and digital forensics. She helps organizations, nonprofits, and businesses build practical AI governance, cybersecurity readiness, digital harm accountability, and compliance strategies. Her services include Responsible AI workshops, AI risk assessments, governance frameworks, security awareness training, digital safety toolkits, and audit-ready evidence systems. Safiia also supports community education in AI safety, federated learning, and cyber risk. She holds two Master’s degrees in machine intelligence and information security/digital forensics, with Google and Facebook scholarships from AIMS.

Founder & CEO

TutorQ

Venkat Podugu

Venkat Podugu is an entrepreneur and AI practitioner with 20+ years of experience building cloud, data, and AI systems at global scale. As Founder & CEO of TutorQ, he develops AI-powered learning platforms for higher education and workforce upskilling, with deployments acrss the U.S., India and Africa. His work focuses on applying generative AI to improve learning outcomes, scale personalized education, and expand access beyond traditional STEM pathways.

Vice-President

IBT College

James Rice

James Rice is the Vice-President of IBT College, a Canadian career college with more than 25 years of experience preparing learners and organizations for workforce success. He leads the development and deployment of IBT College's AI Virtual Campus, an innovative learning platform designed to help individuals, businesses, educational institutions, and government organizations build practical AI fluency. IBT College has launched a comprehensive AI learning ecosystem featuring more than 100 AI-focused micro-courses covering AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, workflow automation, leadership, governance, policy, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and sector-specific applications. The platform provides accessible, scalable, and practical training that helps organizations move beyond AI awareness toward meaningful AI adoption and measurable productivity gains. James works with industry, educational institutions, and public-sector organizations to help leaders understand how AI is transforming jobs, decision-making, workforce development, and organizational competitiveness. His focus is on ensuring that AI fluency becomes a core workplace skill, much like digital literacy became essential over the past two decades.

Lead for Project Management and Policy Development of Records and Archives

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia

Thomas Seyoum Kassaye

Thomas Seyoum Kassaye is a seasoned Digital Governance Advisor with over 20 years of experience across international organizations, including the UNHCR, UNEP, UNICEF, UNECA, UNSOS, and UNAMA in the ICT, digital transformation, and information governance sectors. He brings deep expertise in designing and implementing digital systems that enhance institutional efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making, particularly within government and multilateral contexts. He has extensive knowledge in data science, information systems, Archive and Records Management, business analysis, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. He has led the implementation of major digital initiatives, including Electronic Document Management Frameworks (EDMF), cloud migrations, data warehousing, and paperless office projects, across mission critical environments. Thomas has also worked as a technical lead for AI projects. Thomas currently serves as the Team Lead for Project Management and Policy Development of Records and Archives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, where he leads the digitization of records and modernization of archival systems. He ensures institutional compliance with ISO 15489 and national regulatory standards.

Associate Professor | President

Addis Ababa Science and Technology University | Internet Society Ethiopia Chapter

Dr. Asrat Mulatu

Dr. Asrat Mulatu has educational background in the area of Electrical Engineering specializing in Computer Engineering stream both in the first and second degrees. He has got his PhD in Wireless Communication Systems from Addis Ababa University (IT Doctoral Program). Currently, Dr. Asrat is Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU). Dr. Asrat’s research contributions are substantial, evidenced by 40+ peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals and conference proceedings. He has also demonstrated strong leadership in securing and executing numerous national and international research and consultancy projects. Currently, beside to his affiliation with AASTU, he is the President of the Internet Society Ethiopia Chapter and the founding member of the Ethiopian Cybersecurity Association contributing to the development of the Internet ecosystem and Cybersecurity Landscape of Ethiopia and beyond.

Board Chirman

Ethiopian Information System Audit Association

Eskinder Mesfin Cherinet

Eskinder Mesfin Cherinet is a distinguished leader in Ethiopia’s technology sector, specializing in the intersection of Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity. With a career rooted in Information Systems Audit and IT Governance, he has amassed extensive experience managing complex, high-stakes projects that align technological innovation with enterprise risk management. His expertise is backed by globally recognized certifications, including CISA, CISSP, and CGEIT, making him a critical architect in developing robust security and governance frameworks within the African digital landscape. He currently plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s national digital evolution, serving as a key figure in the country's strategic digital transformation initiatives. As the Board Chairman of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Ethiopia Chapter, Eskinder leads the promotion of secure cloud computing practices and fosters collaboration among industry stakeholders. His work is characterized by a commitment to bridging the gap between technical infrastructure and strategic implementation, ensuring that digital growth is both sustainable and secure.

VP Cloud Security Alliance Ethiopia Chapter | Cybersecurity Consultant | Cyber Trainer

Cloud Security Alliance Ethiopia Chaper | Ethiopian Information Audit Association

Bisrat Yirdaw

Bisrat Yirdaw is a distinguished IT and Cybersecurity professional with over 20 years of experience leading major modernization initiatives across multinational enterprises and government institutions. A value‑adding cybersecurity (CISSP) transformational trainer, he equips leaders, teams, and organizations with practical, business‑aligned security insights, influencing decision‑making from the executive boardroom to operational teams. Widely recognized as one of Ethiopia’s leading cybersecurity advocates, Bisrat has been instrumental in elevating cybersecurity awareness, cyber business values, and maturity, contributing to national frameworks and digital transformation efforts. A trusted advisor to C‑level executives, he specializes in aligning cybersecurity with business strategy and driving organizational change with clarity and purpose. Passionate, committed, and vision‑driven, Bisrat brings a rare blend of technical depth and strategic insight, making him a powerful voice in any cybersecurity or technology forum.

Principal Cybersecurity Engineer

Truist Financial

Yohannis Guta

Yohannis Guta is a cybersecurity engineer with more than 15 years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, vulnerability management, and enterprise security operations. As a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer at Truist Financial, he leads initiatives focused on vulnerability management, endpoint security, threat detection, and cloud security, helping organizations strengthen their cyber resilience against evolving threats. Previously, Yohannis held senior cybersecurity engineering roles at Raytheon Technologies, where he supported mission-critical systems and implemented security solutions aligned with industry and government standards. His expertise spans cloud security, SIEM, endpoint detection and response (EDR), security architecture, governance, risk management, and compliance. With a Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity from The George Washington University, he is committed to advancing cybersecurity best practices and building secure, resilient enterprise environments.

Founder

ZERGAW CLOUD

Berhanu Zergaw

Mr. Berhanu Zergaw is a visionary entrepreneur and technology leader, serving as the Founder of ZERGAW CLOUD, a leading cloud services provider in Ethiopia. Established in 2019, ZERGAW CLOUD has rapidly become a key player in Ethiopia's digital transformation, offering a range of cloud-based solutions tailored to the unique needs of local businesses. Under Mr. Berhanu’s leadership, the company has expanded its services and formed strategic partnerships, contributing significantly to the advancement of ICT infrastructure in the country.

Founder & Executive Director

ET Andromeda Training & Consultancy Center

Dr. Rodas Tadese

Dr. Rodas Tadese is an Ethiopian scholar, theologian, astronomer, educator, and award-winning author whose interdisciplinary work spans theology, biblical studies, astronomy, linguistics, history, and philosophy. As the Founder and Executive Director of the ET Andromeda Training & Consultancy Center, he leads initiatives focused on education, scientific literacy, leadership development, and the preservation of Ethiopia's cultural and intellectual heritage. The author of more than 30 books in Amharic and English, Dr. Rodas has contributed extensively to scholarship on Ethiopian Orthodox theology, biblical studies, astronomy, and Ethiopian history. He has also collaborated with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the naming of the star "Buna" and its exoplanet "Abol," highlighting Ethiopia's cultural heritage within the global scientific community. Through his research, publications, and public lectures, he continues to promote meaningful dialogue between faith, science, and human civilization.

Cybersecurity Researcher, Lecturer & Executive Director

Shaga Generation (የሸጋ ትውልድ)

Samuel Geremew

Samuel Geremew is a computer science researcher, cybersecurity specialist, educator, and media entrepreneur with expertise in digital security, technology education, and youth development. Holding a Master's degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Cybersecurity, he serves as a higher education lecturer and researcher, contributing to the development of future technology professionals and the advancement of cybersecurity awareness. Beyond academia, Samuel is the Founder and Executive Director of Shaga Generation (የሸጋ ትውልድ), a youth empowerment organization, and the General Manager of Samelos Media & Communication. He is also the host of the popular "Shaga Chewata" (የሸጋ ጨዋታ) radio and television program, using media as a platform for education, community engagement, and social impact. Committed to creating positive change through technology, education, and media, Samuel also serves as an Honorary Ambassador for Mary Joy Ethiopia, supporting initiatives that promote youth development and community empowerment.

Professor of Educational Psychology | Advisory Council Member

Bahir Dar University | Federal Ministry of Education

Dawit Asrat Getahun

Dawit A. Getahun is a professor of educational psychology at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. He has over 25 years of teaching and research experience in higher education. His research interests are in the areas of STEM education. He has extensive experience in academic and research leadership, project development and coordination, and educational consultancy. He was one of the members of the expert team involved in the Ethiopian education road map development study and is currently a member of the advisory council of the Federal Ministry of Education.

Co-Founder & Vice Chairman

G2G IT Group

Berook Moges

Berook Moges is the Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of G2G IT Group, a multi-sector technology platform built on the 50-year legacy of the GetAs International Group. G2G integrates IT infrastructure and connectivity, mobility (as a leading partner on the Yango ride-hailing platform), fintech and financial inclusion, and retail hardware distribution into a single, synergistic ecosystem serving Ethiopia and the broader EMEA region. Berook led G2G as CEO starting in 2016, growing the company from 5 million to 303 million birr in capital and scaling its workforce to more than 250 employees. He now serves as Vice Chairman, guiding the company's continued growth and regional ambitions. Alongside his work at G2G, Berook owns and operates a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning manufacturing, services, trade, and real estate. His career reflects a sustained passion for the intersection of technology and business, and a drive to build scalable, resilient enterprises in Ethiopia. Berook holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Purdue University, along with an Executive MBA and a Master's in the Management of Technology from Georgia Tech.

Cybersecurity Governance | AI Governance | Professor | News Analyst

Bay Atlantic University | Deutsche Welle

Abebe Feleke

Abebe Feleke is a cross-disciplinary cybersecurity strategist, InfoSec policy leader, professor, journalist, and artist whose career spans cybersecurity strategy, governance, education, media, and cultural advocacy, with more than twenty years of influence. He currently serves as a Senior Associate in InfoSec Policy Governance, supporting enterprise-wide information security policies, regulatory compliance, audit readiness, standards management, and governance frameworks aligned with recognized industry and international standards. He also serves as a professor at Bay Atlantic University, teaching AI Governance, Cyber Law and Policy, Information Systems, cybersecurity governance, and technology management. He is pursuing doctoral studies in cybersecurity at Marymount University, with a research focus on AI governance. Abebe has held cybersecurity and information security roles and previously worked in financial services, supporting data privacy, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. His career began in journalism as a senior editor at Ethiopian National Radio and a founding contributor to FM Addis 97.1, Ethiopia’s first FM station. He continues to serve as a U.S.-based news analyst and foreign correspondent for Deutsche Welle, covering global affairs, cybersecurity, geopolitics, technology, and public policy. A CISSP-certified professional with an MSc in Cybersecurity Policy, an MBA, and a BA in Theatre Arts & Communication, Abebe continues to blend security, communication, education, and culture to prepare the next generation of professionals for a responsible, resilient, and AI-driven future.

Vice President of Information Systems Security

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE)

Seyoum Damtew

Seyoum Damtew is Vice President of Information Systems Security at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), one of Africa’s largest financial institutions. A seasoned cybersecurity leader with experience in both telecommunications and banking, he specializes in cyber resilience, AI-driven security, fraud management, SOC operations, and information security governance. He holds CISM and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor/Implementer certifications and is a frequent speaker at regional cybersecurity forums.

Founder | Professor of Cybersecurity

RASBYTE | Bay Atlantic University

Dr. Zelalem Mengistu

Dr. Zelalem Mengistu is a cybersecurity leader, educator, and practitioner with more than 20 years of experience supporting U.S. federal agencies and global cybersecurity initiatives. As the founder of the Virginia-based cybersecurity firm RASBYTE and a professor of cybersecurity, he is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity education, workforce development, and the adoption of secure emerging technologies. His expertise spans cloud security, AI security, threat hunting, security architecture, governance, risk and compliance (GRC), and cybersecurity strategy. A two-time recipient of the BAU Faculty of the Year Award (2024 and 2026), Dr. Mengistu is recognized for his excellence in teaching, industry leadership, and commitment to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Founder & CEO

Rticion, LLC

Dr. Gift T. Gaja

Dr. Gift T. Gaja is a cybersecurity researcher, AI forensics strategist, educator, and author specializing in Generative AI security, healthcare cybersecurity, and digital forensics. As the founder of Rticion, LLC, he advises organizations on strengthening cyber resilience, mitigating AI-related risks, and addressing the evolving security challenges posed by emerging technologies. With more than three decades of multidisciplinary experience spanning cybersecurity, digital forensics, quantitative analytics, and organizational risk, Dr. Gaja has developed innovative frameworks for threat modeling, risk assessment, and organizational resilience. His expertise includes Generative AI security, AI forensics, healthcare cybersecurity, human-centric threat modeling, and incident response, helping organizations navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven cyber threats.

Chief Business Development Officer

G2G IT Solutions

Dagmawi Adugna

Dagmawi Adugna is a business and technology executive with a strong foundation in cybersecurity and a proven track record of driving strategic growth, innovation, and organizational transformation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts, graduating in Spring 2026. As the Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) at G2G IT Solutions, Dagmawi leads the company’s business expansion strategy, strategic partnerships, market development, and technology commercialization initiatives. He works at the intersection of executive leadership and emerging technologies, aligning cybersecurity, digital transformation, and enterprise IT solutions with long-term business objectives to create sustainable competitive advantage. With a unique ability to bridge technical expertise and executive decision-making, Dagmawi translates complex cybersecurity concepts—including network security, firewall architecture, threat mitigation, and enterprise risk management—into scalable business strategies that strengthen organizational resilience and accelerate growth. His leadership focuses on identifying new market opportunities, forging high-impact partnerships, and delivering innovative technology solutions that address evolving business and security challenges. Prior to his current role, Dagmawi managed a firewall-focused cybersecurity project during an Amazon externship, where he coordinated security implementation planning, cross-functional stakeholder engagement, and project execution. He also gained valuable executive operations experience at Keller Williams Boston Metro, supporting senior leadership and contributing to strategic business initiatives. These experiences have shaped a multidisciplinary leadership approach that combines technical excellence, strategic vision, operational execution, and a commitment to innovation. Today, Dagmawi is recognized for his ability to unite business strategy with cybersecurity expertise, helping organizations navigate digital transformation while building secure, scalable, and future-ready technology ecosystems.

Associate professor of Computer Science

Bahir Dar University

Dr. Tesfa Tegegne Asfaw

Dr. Tesfa Tegegne Asfaw is the Dean of the Faculty of Computing and an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Bahir Dar University. He brings over two decades of experience spanning teaching, research, and academic leadership. A strong advocate for institutional development, Dr. Tesfa previously founded the ICT for Development (ICT4D) research center at the university, where he served as director for four years and chaired its AI research group. He has published more than 40 articles in reputed journals and international conferences. His research interests include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, cybersecurity, and Digital Healthcare. He earned his PhD from Radboud University in the Netherlands, completing a thesis on service discovery in eHealth. Dr. Tesfa has led numerous research projects as Principal and Co-Principal Investigator and is a committed mentor, having supervised over 30 master and 7 PhD students. He also has a global impact through academic service and leadership—most notably organizing the first International Conference on ICT for Development for Africa in 2017, the first of its kind to publish proceedings with Springer. He regularly serves as a journal reviewer and has contributed as a General Chair and Technical Program Committee (TPC) member for international conferences.

Assistant Professor

Addis Ababa Science and Technology University

Dr. Melak Mesfin

Dr. Melak Mesfin is an accomplished assistant professor in the Department of Software Engineering at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, where he serves as both a researcher and educator. With a robust portfolio of publications in international journals and conferences, he is contributing to the field. His research focuses on the innovative applications of blockchain technology and machine learning, particularly in the realm of smart grid energy management. Dr. Melak has extensive experience teaching a variety of courses to both undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the next generation of tech leaders. His research interests encompass the integration of machine learning and blockchain technologies for enhanced smart grid solutions, as well as exploring critical areas such as cyber security and artificial intelligence.