The role of private security firms will be up for discussion at the Africa Forum on Business and Security. One of the biggest employers in many African countries, the private security sector is already making a major contribution to securing businesses, trade and economies. However, regulations governing the activities of private companies remain lax in many African countries, and their role is often controversial. Leading experts Daniel Shepherd of the Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG) of ADS and Njeri Karuru of IDRC will discuss the future of private security companies and Captain Khamis Twalib, General Manager of the Kenya Ports Authority, will take part in a major session on transport and maritime security with Chris Donnelly, former Special Adviser to the Secretary General of NATO.