Meeting between the Diplo Africa team and the Kenyan Foreign Service Academy

Event summary

The discussion focused on collaboration in digital diplomacy training and other mutual interests. The team was informed that the FSA is transitioning into a semi-autonomous institution and is keen on partnering with like-minded training institutions, policy think tanks, academic institutions, and other diplomacy and international relations organisations. Another highlight was how Africa generally suffers from a lack of regulatory frameworks and capacity to create requisite policies and protocols on the use of both emerging and basic internet and information technologies including all applications for communications. It was agreed that FSA and Diplo would explore collaboration on a training programme for diplomats on digital diplomacy with emphasis on the safe but effective use of cutting-edge online technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity not only at the ministry headquarters but also in missions abroad. The FSA requested a draft curriculum for digital diplomacy that focuses on training participants on the effective but safe usage of email communications, online meetings, video conferencing, Facebook messaging, X (formerly Twitter), and other online solutions as a mode of official communications including the conduct of official meetings. Capacity building and skills transfer through consultations and workshops with experts from Diplo to enable the ministry to identify, procure, and use a digital solution for a secure meetings platform as discussed in meetings. Negotiate a long-term strategic partnership and conclude a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to achieve the following: Strengthen the diplomatic capabilities of Kenyan diplomats through building capacity and skills for using digital technologies to achieve effective and efficient diplomatic operations in the current global environment Allow Diplo to continue to build a pool of experts in digital diplomacy