Dr Richard Apau is a distinguished KNUST alumnus and a leading African voice in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence governance, digital transformation, and counter-terrorism strategy.
Currently serving as a Systems Analyst and Cybersecurity Expert at the African Union Counter Terrorism Centre (AUCTC), Dr Apau has built an impressive career spanning over a decade in cybersecurity, digital forensics investigation, cyber threat intelligence, and preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE). His work continues to contribute significantly to continental and global conversations on emerging security threats and digital resilience.
At the African Union, Dr Apau coordinates the Continental Cybersecurity Capability Programme (A3CP), an initiative focused on strengthening Africa’s resilience against cyber threats and the exploitation of digital technologies by terrorist groups. He also co-chairs the AU Joint Task Force on Cybersecurity, which works to address the misuse of ICTs and emerging technologies for radicalisation, recruitment, and terrorist financing across the continent.
Over the years, he has provided strategic briefings to high-level institutions, including the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC), the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and the United Nations Senior Management Group, chaired by the UN Secretary-General. His expertise continues to shape discussions around cybersecurity, violent extremism, artificial intelligence governance, and continental security policy.
Dr Apau has also contributed to several international expert groups and policy platforms, including the AU Technical Working Group on Artificial Intelligence, which supported the development of the African Union Continental AI Policy. He currently serves on multiple continental and international working groups focused on cybersecurity, security sector reform, cyber threats, and digital security.
A proud product of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr Apau holds a PhD and MPhil in Computer Science with specialisation in Information Security and Data Protection from KNUST. He also earned an MSc in Cyber Security and Management from the University of Warwick and an MA in Global Security from King’s College London, alongside several international professional certifications and executive training programmes.
Through his remarkable achievements and growing global influence, Dr Richard Apau continues to exemplify the excellence, leadership, and impact of KNUST alumni across the world.