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As Africa experiences rapid technological growth and more people get online, cybersecurity is becoming a major challenge. To tackle these threats, it’s clear that countries across the continent need to work together. This issue was the main topic at GISEC Global, a major cybersecurity event held in Dubai, UAE, aimed at helping Africa strengthen its ability to fight cybercrime.
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), spoke at the event about the importance of governments acting quickly to protect their nations from cyberattacks. He emphasized that Africa cannot afford to ignore cybersecurity as the digital world becomes more complex.
“Africa must unite to create strong cybersecurity strategies,” Inuwa said. “We need to share knowledge, work together, and take action to protect our infrastructure and economies from cyber threats.”
Inuwa pointed out that in 2022, Africa saw an average of 1,848 cyberattacks per organization every week. This is much higher than the global average of 1,164. Nigeria, with over 100 million internet users, was the most targeted country, followed by Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya. These countries alone are responsible for 60% of the $4 billion that cybercrime costs Africa each year.
Despite these threats, Inuwa also highlighted the progress Africa is making in digital transformation. In 2022, nearly 390 million people shopped online, and over 380 million used social media. However, the increasing number of cyberattacks puts both local and international security at risk.
Inuwa stressed the need for governments to make cybersecurity a top priority to protect citizens and businesses. He also referenced a report showing that only 15 African countries have completed national cybersecurity strategies, which are essential for tackling cybercrime.
To strengthen Africa’s cybersecurity, Inuwa suggested that African nations evaluate their vulnerabilities and create policies that encourage investment in cybersecurity. Closing the talent gap by investing in training programs will help develop a skilled workforce to combat cyber threats. He also emphasized the importance of both the government and private sector using tools like firewalls and intrusion detection systems to prevent cyberattacks.
Governments and businesses should also work together to set up cybersecurity units and share resources. Cyber threats don’t respect borders, so regional partnerships and cross-border cooperation are essential. Countries need to cooperate to share best practices and create joint responses. National emergency response teams and clear protocols for dealing with cyberattacks are also critical.
Inuwa also highlighted the role that NITDA and other Nigerian agencies, like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), played during the 2023 Presidential Election. These agencies helped prevent nearly 13 million cyberattacks on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) servers, ensuring the security of the election.
The NCC, a key player in cybersecurity in Nigeria, has also been working to protect critical infrastructure and the public. It has helped create regulations that improve cybersecurity and set up teams to monitor and respond to threats. The NCC’s support of telecom operators in sharing infrastructure also reduces risks and strengthens security.
In conclusion, as Africa continues to grow digitally, cybersecurity must remain a priority. By investing in technology, training, and collaboration, African nations can strengthen their defenses and secure their digital futures. The efforts of NITDA, the NCC, and other agencies are crucial in ensuring Africa stays safe from cyber threats.
