Why African countries need to safeguard their cyberspace by Igwe Prince Ikechukwu, Ravebeta Founder

The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Index ranks many African nations lower in terms of cybersecurity readiness. This, naturally, puts the cyberspace of these African countries in jeopardy and makes their people very vulnerable to increasing cyber threats like phishing attacks, malware, online fraud, cyber espionage etc. Several factors contribute to this vulnerability of African countries. They include limited access to cybersecurity education and training, outdated infrastructure, and low levels of cyber hygiene. These vulnerabilities have had economic and social consequences, affecting business, healthcare, education, and government services. In this interview, Igwe Prince Ikechukwu, the Founder of cybersecurity company, Ravebeta, takes us through the African cyberspace and how African countries could safeguard theirs.

Q: Can you give us an overview of African cyberspace from your professional perspective?

Africa’s cyberspace is undergoing a period of rapid growth. Mobile phone use is exploding across Africa, with smartphones becoming increasingly affordable. This is bringing more people online than ever before. Tech hubs are popping up in major African cities, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in areas like mobile payments and e-commerce. Internet infrastructure is expanding, with initiatives underway to provide broader and more affordable internet access across the continent. However, there are also challenges to consider: Africa is facing a growing number of cyber threats, as attackers target businesses and governments. Not everyone has equal access to the internet. Rural areas and low-income communities often lag behind in internet connectivity. African nations are still developing legal frameworks to address issues like cybercrime and data privacy. Despite the challenges, African cyberspace is a dynamic and rapidly evolving space. With continued investment and innovation, it has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth and social development. 

Q: Compared to countries in the Western world, how would you rate the African cybersecurity space?

Compared to countries in the Western world, the African cybersecurity space is still developing. Here’s a breakdown: Western countries have well-defined laws to address cybercrime and data privacy, which helps with investigations and prosecutions. There’s a more developed education and training infrastructure in cybersecurity, leading to a larger pool of skilled professionals. Many Western countries have invested heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security software. However, Africa still has a lot of strength in the cybersecurity space, african governments and businesses are becoming increasingly aware of cybersecurity threats and are taking steps to address them. We also have to take into consideration that Africa has a young and tech-savvy population that is eager to adopt new technologies. This can be an advantage in building cybersecurity solutions. African nations are starting to collaborate more on cybersecurity issues, sharing information and best practices. A good example will be the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Data Protection: This agreement, adopted in 2014, aims to harmonize cybersecurity laws across Africa.  Nigeria also launched a national cybersecurity strategy in 2019 to address cyber threats and protect its critical infrastructure. My conclusion will be that the African cybersecurity space is evolving rapidly, but it faces challenges compared to the more established space in Western countries. However, Africa has a number of strengths to build on, and with continued investment and collaboration, it can develop a robust cybersecurity posture. 

Q: Let us talk about the impact on the economies of African countries. Put us through, in what ways can cyberspace boost the economies of African countries? 

Cyberspace has the potential to be a major game-changer for African economies. There are many ways I believe it can boost economic growth, Cyberspace makes it possible for businesses to sell their products and services to a wider audience, both domestically and internationally. This can create new markets and revenue streams for African businesses. Examples like Jumia, an online marketplace founded in Nigeria, which is a leading platform connecting buyers and sellers across Africa. A good example will also be Mobile money, a digital financial service that allows people to use their mobile phones to send and receive money, make payments, and access other financial services. This is particularly beneficial in Africa, where many people lack access to traditional banking services. M-Pesa, a mobile money service launched in Kenya in 2007, has revolutionized financial inclusion by allowing people to send and receive money using their mobile phones. The growth of cyberspace is creating new job opportunities in Africa, such as software developers, web designers, and cybersecurity specialists. This can help to reduce unemployment and boost incomes. Cyberspace provides access to a wealth of information and educational resources. This can help African entrepreneurs, businesses, and students learn new skills, improve their knowledge, and compete more effectively in the global economy. Cyberspace can help businesses improve their efficiency and productivity by automating tasks, streamlining communication, and facilitating collaboration. This can lead to cost savings and increased profits. 

Q: Let us talk about identity and the overall reshaping of societies. What are the roles of cyberspace in these? 

Cyberspace is playing a powerful role in reshaping African societies and how Africans see themselves. Here is a breakdown of some key areas: Cyberspace allows Africans across the continent and in the diaspora to connect and share experiences. This fosters a sense of pan-African identity and cultural exchange. Social media platforms enable discussions on shared history, cultural movements, and social issues. Online platforms provide a space for Africans to tell their own stories and challenge stereotypical narratives. This can empower communities and redefine how Africa is perceived globally. Cyberspace allows African entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a wider audience. This helps create a digital marketplace identity and fosters economic empowerment. Online platforms can be used to document and share traditional crafts, art forms, and cultural practices. This helps preserve cultural heritage and identity in the digital age. Cyberspace provides access to educational resources and online courses, helping bridge the knowledge gap and fostering a more skilled workforce. This can create new opportunities and reshape career paths. The growing importance of cyberspace necessitates digital literacy and online safety skills. This empowers individuals to participate effectively in the digital world and build a positive digital identity. A good number of examples will be African MOOC platforms like “uAfrica.com” are providing wider access to educational resources, while Social media movements like #AfricaRising promote a positive image of the continent and its potential. 

Q: Reports suggest that very few African countries have developed a national cybersecurity strategy. Given all this promise, how would this absence of cybersecurity strategy or even cybersecurity protection laws affect these potential benefits or slow them down? 

You’re right, a lack of cybersecurity strategies and laws can definitely slow down the economic and social benefits of cyberspace in Africa. Here’s how: Businesses and individuals may be hesitant to participate in online activities if they feel their data and privacy aren’t secure. This can stifle e-commerce, mobile money adoption, and online education initiatives. Without clear legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, cybercriminals have more freedom to operate. This can lead to financial losses for businesses and individuals, as well as a chilling effect on innovation. Without a national strategy, critical infrastructure like power grids and financial systems may be more susceptible to cyberattacks. This can disrupt essential services and damage economies. a few examples will be that A cyberattack on a mobile money provider could disrupt financial services for millions of people or A data breach at an online retailer could discourage people from shopping online. even cyberattacks on critical infrastructure could lead to power outages or transportation disruptions. 

Q: Do you think there ought to be unified cybersecurity protocols or laws across African countries or should countries develop the ones that are relevant to them? Why? 

There are strong arguments to be made for both a unified approach and a tailored approach to cybersecurity protocols and laws across African countries. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons: Common standards would make it easier for businesses to operate across borders and for individuals to access online services from other African countries. African nations could present a united front when negotiating with international tech companies on data privacy and security issues. Shared protocols would streamline enforcement efforts and make it more difficult for cybercriminals to exploit loopholes in different countries’ laws. in my opinion, I see a unified approach from a different perspective, the cons of one-size-fits-all solutions might not address the specific needs and resource constraints of all African countries or Some countries might be hesitant to cede control over their cybersecurity policies to a regional body. A good tailored approach will be Countries could develop laws and protocols that address their unique risks and priorities. furthermore:  Individual countries wouldn’t have to wait for regional consensus to take action. On the other hand, a patchwork of different laws could create confusion and make it difficult for businesses to operate across borders. Smaller countries might lack the resources to develop and enforce robust cybersecurity measures. Cybercriminals could exploit inconsistencies in national laws to target specific countries. However, I view things from a positive perspective and would say there’s merit to both approaches. A possible solution could be a hybrid model that combines some elements of both: Developing baseline cybersecurity standards across Africa to ensure a minimum level of protection. Allowing countries to adapt these standards to their specific contexts and Promoting collaboration and information sharing among African nations to address common threats. This approach could balance the need for consistency with the need for flexibility, allowing African countries to build a strong and coordinated defence against cyber threats.

Read also: Meet Ravebeta, the cybersecurity startup redefining cyber protection with a 95% customer satisfaction rate