Cyber Defenders, prepare to regain advantage
Programme
Panelists

Department of Information Communication Technology, Government of Seychelles
Benjamin Choppy
Principal Secretary
Mr. Choppy has been involved in several key ICT initiatives in the Seychelles. This includes leading the formulation of the Seychelles National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy in 2019, the formulation of a key regulation on affixing digital signatures under the Electronic Transactions Act in 2018, the formulation of the Cybercrime Act in 2021 and the implementation of the Seychelles national digital identity platform, SeyID, in 2022. He continues to be involved in ICT initiatives under the Digital Economy Agenda of the Seychelles Government articulated in 2020. In addition to these, from 1999 onwards; Mr. Choppy also lead the project to build the first optic fiber submarine cable system, SEAS (Seychelles East Africa System), to link the Seychelles in 2012. This was a PPP project implemented through an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle). He is currently the chairperson of the board of directors of this SPV and has lead the implementation of the second submarine cable connection to the Seychelles in 2022.

Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Republic of Mauritius
Mr. Rajnish Hawabhay
Chief Technical Officer
Mr. Rajnish Hawabhay, Chief Technical Officer of the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Republic of Mauritius
Mr. Rajnish Hawabhay began his career as an Analyst / Programmer at Blanche Birger Co Ltd. From 1996 to 1999 he served as Assistant Manager at the Industrial and Vocation Training Board. From 1999 to 2003 he was IT Manager at the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd.
From 2003 to 2006 & 2007 to 2008, he acted as Project Manager at Central Informatics Bureau and was on secondment at the SADC Secretariat under the Young Professionals Programme from 2006 to 2007.
From 2008 to 2014, he served as Acting Director at the Central Informatics Bureau and in November 2014, he was appointed the Chief Technical Officer at the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation.
Mr. Rajnish Hawabhay holds a Masters in Leadership Development in ICT and the Knowledge Society and a Master's degree in Business Administration with Specialisation in Finance from the University of Mauritius.

Digital Associates Ltd, Mauritius
Jessica Naga
FinTech barrister & Managing Director
Jessica Naga is a FinTech barrister and entrepreneur. She is the Group CEO of the Mauritian headquartered MINDEX Group of companies, which includes MINDEX Digital Custodian Limited, the first licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider of Mauritius, and MINDEX Limited, the first digital securities exchange of Mauritius.
Jessica is the co-founded the MINDEX Group with the goal of addressing financial infrastructure deficiencies in Africa and using blockchain technology to optimise the creation, storing and trading of assets.
She co-foundered the Digital Partners Network Group, which provides tailored legal and other professional services to meet the demands of disruptive businesses, which focus on automation, digitalisation and blockchain technology.
She also co-founded the Seychelles-based SECDEX digital ecosystem.
In 2020, Jessica was the laureate of Women In Africa 54 (WIA 54) in the digital sphere, and in 2021, formed part of the 100 International Women in FinTech Power list of Innovate Finance, UK

Cyber & Intelligence, Master Card, Kenya
Ms. Diana Majimbo
Manager
Diana Majimbo is the Manager for Cyber and Intelligence, Mastercard East Africa and Indian Oceans Islands.
Diana has banking experience of over 12 years with experience in Digital Banking Solutions and Remittances across 33 African countries. At Mastercard, she works closely with financial institutions and other partners to offer solutions that ensure that customers are transacting in a safe and secure way.
Moderator

Jacques Harel
Chief Executive Officer
Jacques is the Chief Executive Officer of BIRGER. since April 2007, a technology company operating in the Indian Ocean region and East Africa.
He has worked several years for De Chazal du Mée, Chartered Accountants, gaining expertise in various economic sectors.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies, University of Westminster, London and is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) – ACA, Corporate Finance.
Partner

Elytis
Elytis is a top-class distributor for more than 10 leading global brands in IT equipment and software.