Cybersecurity: A Necessity for Africa’s Future Growth, Safety.

The threat of cyberattacks in Africa is becoming increasingly challenging, with organisations facing an average of 2,960 attacks weekly. As reported by Checkpoint Research, this rise marks a 37%  increase from the previous year, making Africa the region with the highest weekly average of cyberattacks globally, far surpassing the worldwide average of 1,636.

With the rise in cyberattacks, the need for cybersecurity measures is more important than ever for all types of businesses, whether government, for-profit, or non-profit organisations.

Understanding Cyber Vulnerabilities.

Many organizations face limitations due to outdated systems and a lack of resources for cybersecurity. There is also a big awareness gap, with many people not realizing how serious cybersecurity threats are. Additionally, slow policy development and a shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals make these challenges worse.

Africa’s youthful population brings an additional level of vulnerability. Although this demographic holds significant potential, it also presents certain risks. According to the United Nations, 70% of Africa’s population is under 30, a figure expected to rise. Many young people also encounter financial difficulties that force them to compromise their online safety by sharing devices, using public Wi-Fi, or connecting to unsecured networks.

Also, the educational sector, which serves a young audience, has become a prime target for cyberattacks. This situation has worsened with the rise of online education since the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and research institutions often hold sensitive information, making them appealing targets for cybercriminals, especially since remote learning typically involves many online users.

The Content Piracy Challenge

Content piracy is another big concern, especially among younger people who consume a lot of entertainment. To tackle this issue, initiatives like Partners Against Piracy have emerged. This pan-African coalition, led by MultiChoice Africa, has made significant progress in fighting content piracy. In 2024 alone, about 155 raids were conducted across Africa, leading to the shutdown of 4,351 pirate content networks.

Alongside these efforts, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting digital content and combating cybercrimes through various initiatives. These include partnerships with organisations like MultiChoice. As emphasized by Dr. John O. Asein the Director General Nigerian Copyright Commission, “the Copyright Act of 2022 enhances the protection of digital content and equips the NCC with the necessary tools to safeguard creative rights in the digital landscape.” This legislation includes important initiatives like the Anti-Piracy Online Unit and the Nigerian Copyright e-Registration System (NCeRS), both of which play vital roles in fostering a safer digital environment for Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.

Despite these piracy risks, the young population is an advantage in the digital economy. The GSMA predicts that by 2030, there are expected to be 438 million mobile internet users on the continent, an eager, digitally savvy generation ready to work and create online businesses. However, this rapid digital growth also increases the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures. To build resilience against growing cyber threats, several key actions must be taken including:

Awareness and Education: Adding cybersecurity education to school programs, corporate training, and public awareness campaigns will help create awareness about the effects of piracy and cyber threats.

Investment in Expertise: Since cybersecurity requires specialized skills, organizations need to allocate budgets to hire professionals who can create strong security systems and curb cyber theft.

Legislative Action: It is essential to establish clear laws that define cyber offences and facilitate effective law enforcement. Implementing cybercrime laws and encouraging cross-border collaborations are vital for prosecuting offenders and prioritizing cybersecurity.

Infrastructure Protection: Many businesses do not have adequate cybersecurity infrastructure, leaving them exposed to risks. Modernizing systems and protocols is crucial to addressing this vulnerability and keeping them safe from potential cyberattacks. Collaborations between government and private sector organizations can pool expertise and resources for better cybersecurity strategies.

As essential services like health, education, and governance increasingly rely on digital platforms, neglecting cybersecurity can seriously harm service delivery. Cybersecurity is no longer optional; it’s necessary for securing Nigeria’s future and we cannot afford to overlook the importance of building a cyber-resilient nation. The time to act is now.