The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI) has announced the appointment of Desmond Israel Esq. as its new Senior Policy Research Fellow, marking a strategic expansion of the institute’s thought leadership in business regulation, cyberlaw, digital governance and ultimately in advancing a free society.

Israel, a seasoned legal tech strategist and cybersecurity expert, will spearhead ILAPI’s Business Regulatory and Cyberlaw Initiatives, bringing over two decades of interdisciplinary experience to the institute’s mission of fostering a free, prosperous, and innovation-driven African society.

In his new role, Israel will lead efforts in:

- Policy Research & Analysis: Delivering critical insights on governance and institutional reform  

- Strategic Advisory: Shaping AI governance, digital risk management, and pro-liberty frameworks  

- Project Implementation: Supporting the execution of ILAPI’s flagship initiatives  

- Mentorship: Guiding junior fellows and interns in research and leadership development  

Israel’s appointment signals ILAPI’s commitment to ethical innovation and digital sovereignty. He currently serves in several high-impact roles, including:

- Partner, Cyberlaw & Technology Practice at AGNOS Legal Company  

- Founder & Lead Consultant, Information Security Architects Ltd (Rapid7 Gold Partner)  

- Non-Executive Director (Cyber & Privacy Advisory), Zerone AnalytiQs, British Columbia, Canada  

His expertise spans data protection compliance, AI regulatory alignment, and enterprise IT governance. A recipient of the GW Law Merit Scholarship, Israel holds an LL.M. in National Security and Cybersecurity from The George Washington University Law School, alongside certifications such as CISSP, CIPM, CCT, and CC.

Israel is a frequent keynote speaker at global conferences, where he bridges legal, technological, and human rights perspectives. He lectures in Technology Law at GIMPA Law School and consults with the National Banking College to develop board-level programs on cyber risk and AI strategy for financial institutions across Africa.

His policy collaborations include work with the Center for AI and Digital Policy in Washington, D.C., and the Internet Security Alliance in Virginia.

ILAPI describes Israel’s appointment as a “significant step toward advancing freedom, ethical innovation, robust governance, and digital sovereignty in Africa and beyond.”