A vital issue for African citizens, businesses, and institutions
By Dr. Mohamed H’Midouche, former International Senior Official – expert in Governance and Development.
The digital transformation of Africa is now one of the major drivers of economic and social modernization of the continent. The rise of mobile money, fintech, e-government, educational and healthcare platforms, and digital administration has profoundly changed behaviors and stimulated growth. This technological revolution opens up a wide range of opportunities: financial inclusion, innovation, transparency, productivity, and improved public services. But this dynamic digital ecosystem simultaneously amplifies the exposure to cyber threats. Cybercriminals, better organized, more agile, and equipped with sophisticated tools, now target Africa as a strategic space. In a context where technology is advancing faster than protection mechanisms, a crucial question arises: are we really protected against cyberattacks?
This reflection is based on a thorough review of international and African literature on cybersecurity – institutional reports, sector studies, technical publications, academic work, and comparative analyses. The trends and findings from this documentation have informed our approach and inspired the writing of this article, with the aim of making a useful, clear, and structured contribution to all stakeholders: public decision-makers, regulators, businesses, researchers, educators, and citizens.
I. A continental diagnosis: understanding the weaknesses before addressing them
Any reflection on cybersecurity in Africa must begin with a clear analysis of reality: the continent is digitizing at a rapid pace, often faster than institutional capabilities to secure this space. This gap creates an environment where states, businesses, and citizens benefit from the advantages of digital technology without having the necessary protection mechanisms. The scarcity of skills, the weakness of investments, and the heterogeneity of infrastructures reinforce this vulnerability. A rigorous diagnosis is essential to build a sustainable strategy.
1. Explosive yet vulnerable connectivity
More than 600 million Africans are connected, but this rapid growth exceeds protection capabilities.
2. Increasingly targeted public and financial systems
Banks, fintech, hospitals, universities, telecoms, administrations: no sector is spared.
3. Still insufficient protection
Limited budgets, uneven coordination, disparate legislation, low awareness: defenses remain fragile.
II. Major cyber threats: a constantly evolving landscape
The cyber threats affecting Africa are neither static nor isolated: they evolve constantly, driven by organized cybercriminals, equipped with advanced technologies, and often operating from abroad. The continent is exposed to increasingly sophisticated attacks, targeting both citizens and public institutions as well as the private sector. Understanding the nature of these threats is essential to anticipate and build an effective defense.
Main threats:
- Ransomware
- Phishing and identity theft
- Mobile money fraud
- Political disinformation and electoral manipulation
- Economic and strategic espionage
- Attacks on critical infrastructure
III. Typology of vulnerabilities: three different digital Africas
The level of vulnerability varies significantly among countries. Africa is actually composed of three different digital configurations: highly digitalized economies, economies dependent on mobile money, and economies in digital transition. Each generates specific risks and requires a differentiated strategy.
1. Highly digitalized economies
Advanced attacks targeting public infrastructures and services.
2. Economies dominated by mobile money
Frauds, fake transfers, account takeovers: high risks for citizens.
3. Economies in digital transition
Technical flaws, low cyber culture, underinvestment.
4. Transversal risks
Transnational crime, lack of legal harmonization, weak institutional coordination.
IV. The strategic role of CERT/CIRT: backbone of national cybersecurity
To effectively protect a country against cyberattacks, it is essential to have dedicated technical structures. This is precisely the mission of CERT (Computer Emergency Response Teams) and CIRT (Computer Incident Response Teams), which constitute the operational core of national cybersecurity.
1. Definition and mandate
A CERT/CIRT is a specialized team responsible for:
- monitoring networks and detecting cyber threats;
- analyzing incidents and coordinating the response;
- issuing security alerts and recommendations;
- raising awareness among administrations, businesses, and citizens;
- cooperating with other centers at regional and international levels.
2. An essential role for digital sovereignty
CERT/CIRT are often the first to identify an attack and limit its impact. They protect critical infrastructures, support technical investigations, and enhance trust in the digital ecosystem. Without them, states are blind to threats and unable to react quickly.
3. A continental challenge
While several African countries have established CERT/CIRT, many remain under-resourced in terms of human resources, advanced detection tools, and coordination capabilities. Strengthening them is therefore a strategic priority to improve the digital resilience of the continent.
V. Smartphones: main entry point for cybercriminals
The smartphone has become the central tool of African digital life. It concentrates identities, personal, banking, professional, and even administrative data. This centrality makes it a privileged target for cybercriminals. Adolescents and young adults, hyperconnected and often poorly sensitized, are particularly vulnerable. The risk is not African: it is global. But its impact is amplified by the essential role of mobile phones in the daily life of the continent.
Main vulnerabilities:
Unofficial applications, lack of updates, excessive permissions, naivety towards suspicious links.
VI. Protecting users: ten essential reflexes in a young and hyperconnected continent
With a predominantly young population, Africa is exposed to increased digital vulnerability. Adolescents spend several hours online every day, on social networks, educational platforms, and interactive games. Without a protective framework, this hyperconnectivity becomes a fertile ground for scams, manipulation, cyberbullying, and the unintentional exposure of personal data. Developing a culture of digital vigilance among young people is an educational, social, and strategic imperative.
A. Why young people are vulnerable
Hyperconnectivity, low cyber culture, exposure to fake profiles, cyberbullying, lack of supervision.
B. Ten essential reflexes
Updates, official stores, strong passwords, 2FA, caution with links, permission management, backups, antivirus, caution on social networks, family dialogue.
C. The role of parents and educators
Support, supervision, discussion, reporting, and awareness.
VII. Strategic recommendations for a safe and sovereign digital Africa
Cybersecurity is a collective responsibility. To address transnational and sophisticated threats, Africa must shift from a reactive posture to a proactive strategy. Digital resilience can only be achieved through a common vision, strong institutional coordination, and massive investment in skills and infrastructure.
A. For States: building African digital sovereignty
1. Strengthen CERT/CIRT
Sustainable budgets, qualified experts, crisis simulations, enhanced regional cooperation.
2. Harmonize African legislations
Adoption, ratification, and implementation of pan-African texts.
3. Secure critical infrastructures
Mandatory standards, regular audits, redundancy devices.
4. Build a continental skills strategy
Cyber university programs, training centers, certifications, mobilization of the diaspora.
5. Integrate cybersecurity into public governance
Cybersecurity officers in each ministry, strengthened regulators, resilience plans.
B. For Businesses
Institutionalize cybersecurity, regular audits, network segmentation, automated backups, ongoing training.
C. For Citizens
Culture of vigilance, data protection, media education, combating disinformation.
D. For Schools
Mandatory modules, teacher training, digital clubs, practical workshops.
VIII. The essential role of schools: training a cyber-responsible generation
Schools are the first line of defense in digital protection. They provide a privileged space to raise awareness, train, and empower young people. Introducing cybersecurity as a fundamental skill prepares future generations to navigate a complex digital world.
Key recommendations:
Mandatory courses, pedagogical projects, cyber clubs, risk analysis workshops, partnerships with specialized institutions.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is now a central issue of sovereignty, governance, and economic stability. Faced with transnational risks and increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals, Africa must strengthen its institutional capacities, modernize its infrastructure, develop its talents, and promote a collective culture of vigilance.
The African Union has laid the necessary political and legal foundations. The Malabo Convention (2014) and the Malabo Declaration are essential instruments to harmonize legislation, protect data, and structure a pan-African response. But these texts only make sense if fully adopted, applied, and integrated into national legislation.
Cybersecurity is not just a shield: it is a driver of development and a catalyst for trust. It secures investments, protects public services, enhances business competitiveness, and ensures citizens a safe and ethical digital space.
Protecting Africa against cyberattacks means protecting its economy, institutions, youth, and future. By mobilizing continental frameworks, strengthening regional cooperation, investing in skills, and raising citizen awareness, the continent can not only address current risks but also become a major player in the new global digital order.
