Globalization and digitization have made our world progressively interconnected, and as the promise of AI is realized around the world, so are accompanying threats. Cybersecurity stands as a critical pillar for economic stability and growth, reaching across borders and touching every aspect of our global community, but Cisco’s Cybersecurity Readiness Index reveals a sobering truth: that a mere 3% of global organizations are ready to address contemporary risks across the full spectrum of cybersecurity solutions. As a testament to that data point, last year there were nearly 3,000 publicly disclosed data breaches—impacting businesses, citizens, public services, and more.

This gap in cyber readiness is an inherent risk to the entire world’s digital ecosystem, and it urgently underscores the need—and our shared responsibility—to strengthen our interconnected defenses. By embedding cybersecurity in global digital strategies and building a robust cybersecurity workforce, we can realize the promise of AI and make sure no one gets left behind. Nowhere is the need for cyber resiliency more evident than in Africa—a continent on the brink of a remarkable digital transformation.

Africa’s Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Imperative

Technology has emerged as a powerful engine for economic growth in Africa where GDP has increased more than fivefold in just two decades. The explosive growth is driven by increased internet usage, mobile banking, and AI-driven innovation that does everything from predicting climate changes to improving maternal health. Continued growth is projected to drive Africa’s GDP to over $4 trillion by 2027. Yet, the concerning reality remains that 60% of Africans are unconnected and the advancements of the global economy are out of reach for many.

The path to enhancing Africa’s cyber resilience, and that of the wider world, is a collective journey. As we connect the next billion users, we’re calling on governments, businesses, and civil society to delve into the insights provided by Access Partnership and the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria in their report: “Elevating Africa’s Cyber Resilience: Unveiling Regional Challenges and Charting AI Solutions.”

• In the second quarter of 2023, Africa witnessed the highest average number of cyberattacks per week per organization — a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
• In 2023, attackers used malware in four out of every five successful attacks on organizations, and one in two reported incidents involved social engineering.
• Only 28% of countries in Africa have ratified the Malabo Convention — the African Union’s cybersecurity protocol. Implementing existing frameworks and harmonizing risk-based approaches would help improve the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures.
• Technologies like encryption and cryptography which safeguard data are especially helpful across Africa where there are limited data protection frameworks.
• Cloud computing, which can enable consolidation of cybersecurity controls across applications and networks, offers advantages for scaling limited resources.

The report conveys how securely unlocking Africa’s vast potential starts first with connecting the 700 million people that are still offline across the continent. But it’s not enough to just connect. We must also protect. By harnessing human intelligence alongside advanced AI and cybersecurity tools, we can decisively tip the balance in favor of those who defend our digital spaces and pave the way for a future where technology and infrastructure are inherently secure. To seize this opportunity, we must also invest in people.

Cultivating Cybersecurity Talent for Economic Empowerment

The entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation from Cairo to the Cape is the same one needed to fortify cybersecurity across the continent’s diverse economies. A new generation of cyber professionals will be instrumental in analyzing cybercriminal tactics, identifying perpetrators, and crafting preventative measures that make our systems safer and more reliable. With the wealth of untapped talent in Africa, there is an opportunity to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that blends technical acumen with creative problem-solving.

My optimism lies in the ripple effect that will occur by expanding the cybersecurity field in Africa. It’s not just about job creation, it’s about opening doors to meaningful remote careers that offer significant prospects for economic advancement while helping people stay in and support their communities. The need to uplift and sponsor women in Africa is especially crucial as they face stark disparities in access to digital technologies and as a result, are often sidelined in the digital economy. With women making up only 9% of cybersecurity professionals on the continent as of 2021 compared to the 25% globally, fostering inclusive growth opportunities is an imperative.

Collaboration for a Secure Digital Future

I recently had the honor of reinforcing Cisco’s commitment to Africa in a big way with the launch of our Cybersecurity Experience Center in Nairobi. It’s also a proud privilege to see everything Cisco Networking Academy in Africa has accomplished—empowering 1.5 million learners in Africa including over 460,000 women and setting a goal to train 3 million more on the continent. Skilling is a critical component in digital transformation and a pathway to participation.

During this work, and in all my conversations with African leaders and communities, one truth resonates: cybersecurity is not an optional luxury; it is a necessary foundation for a stable and prosperous economy. It safeguards our data, our privacy, and our means of living so that we can innovate and elevate – unimpeded by the shadow of cyber threats. As we chart our future—and help customers, communities and countries do the same—digital resiliency is essential for full participation in the global economy and a fundamental part of an inclusive future for all.

Read the Access Partnership Report:

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