FEATURE: INTELLIGENT DISCUSSIONS
A further issue in the cybersecurity sector in the region is the lack of talent, skills and training – not an issue specific to Africa, a problem experienced worldwide. However, the lack of digital literacy in many regions in Africa limits the training that can be undertaken and the skills that can be developed. Opportunities to learn need to be made available as governments, organisations and the public are all under threat from malicious cyberattacks.
The role of multinational companies
While everyone wants to see Africa boom, multinational technology companies coming in to‘ save the day’ is much more complex than you might think.
THERE IS A LACK OF URGENCY AND IMPORTANCE BEING PLACED UPON CYBERDEFENCE ACROSS AFRICA.
Yes, these large enterprises advance the continents digital evolution; however, they run the risk of monopolising knowledge.“ We are losing the nuances of knowledge and culture,” said Libisi. Relying solely on multinational companies hinders African communities for generations.
For this to advance the region truly and effectively, these companies must work together with the local people, transferring skills to the communities. present threat of cyberattacks. The estimated cost of cybercrime in Africa was around 10 billion dollars in 2022 and was only projected to rise.
Where in the western world, cybersecurity is a major pressing issue, topping the priority list of many businesses, due to the infancy of progressive technology in many areas in the continent, there is a lack of urgency and importance being placed upon cyberdefence across Africa.
Mtila highlighted the huge problem of ransomware attacks that occur in Africa every single day, alongside a massive market for company information on the dark web. Computers, servers and networks comprised 65 % of attacks in 2024. This illustrates the low-level security infrastructure within companies across Africa.
Many regions in Africa are extremely unique. Multinational companies need to go out and understand the pain points and environment before throwing money at the situation. If Africa is to flourish, there has to be an understanding that these rural areas are different and have different needs to those in Europe, the USA, or even other parts of Africa.“ You can’ t take something that works in America and use it here,” said Moodley.
Moodley explained that it is not as simple as putting something bigger and better in place. He revealed that many villages have illegal connections on sub-stations and do not want them upgraded in case they are caught and prosecuted. Examples like this and many more are why original ideas and insights from African communities are invaluable. p
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