APA Hosts 18th Annual Conference and General Assembly in Benguela, Angola

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APA Hosts 18th Annual Conference and General Assembly in Benguela, Angola

The Africa Prosecutors’ Association (APA) convened its 18th Annual Conference and General Assembly of Members from 15th to 18th October 2025 in Benguela, Republic of Angola, under the theme: “Digital Justice and Technological Innovation in Africa: Emerging Technologies at the Service of Justice”. The Conference brought together heads of prosecution agencies, senior prosecutors, justice sector leaders and partners from across the continent to deliberate on the evolving role of technology in strengthening prosecution services and improving access to justice.

The official opening session was held at the Benguela Congress Palace and commenced with welcoming remarks by the Governor of Benguela Province, Hon. Dr. Manuel Nunes Júnior, who warmly received the delegates to the Province. The Conference was thereafter officially opened by the Attorney General of the Republic of Angola, Hon. Dr. Hélder Pitta Gróz, who underscored the importance of digital transformation and technological innovation in the administration of justice across Africa.

Following the opening ceremony, Member States participated in high-level panel discussions that explored the opportunities, risks and practical application of Artificial Intelligence within prosecution services. The First Panel, titled “The Future of Justice: Artificial Intelligence and Its Implementation within the Functions of the Public Prosecutor’s Office”, featured presentations from the Republic of South Africa, Morocco and Angola.

The Second Panel, titled “Regional Cooperation and Artificial Intelligence in the Context of Public Prosecution Service Action in the African Continent”, featured contributions from Kenya, Namibia, Senegal and the European Union Expert. The discussions focused on ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence, regional legal and technological harmonisation, and comparative lessons from the European Union’s AI regulatory experience.

Combating Transnational Crime

APA prioritises the prosecution of emerging and evolving forms of organised criminality that threaten Africa’s peace, security, and socio-economic development, including human and drug trafficking, arms smuggling, maritime, piracy, wildlife and mineral resource trafficking, money laundering, cyber-enabled crime, and illicit trade networks exploiting governance and border vulnerabilities. Through mutual legal assistance, intelligence-sharing, and specialised prosecutorial training, APA seeks to dismantle transnational criminal syndicates, deprive them of illicit proceeds, and reinforce the rule of law across the continent.