Cyber security has become a major concern for African states with accelerating digital transformation. As they cannot fight the threats alone, governments are betting on local and international cooperation. 

The Ghanaian Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the Mozambican National Institute of Information and Communication Technology (INTIC), and the National Security Authority of Rwanda signed, Monday (October 3), a memorandum of understanding to fight cybercrime.

According to a speech read on behalf of Ghanaian vice president Mahamudu Bawumia, the memorandum provides for a range of activities including joint capacity-building exercises and cybersecurity training, and experience sharing. 

“It also entails exchange programs for staff to promote capacity building and talent development in both countries and conduct of joint cybersecurity exercises, where countries involved will learn, share, and promote effective cybersecurity practices to ensure resilience and cyber readiness on both ends,” the speech informs. 

Cybercrime and cybersecurity issues are major concerns in Africa.  According to a study by Kenyan cybersecurity firm Serianu, African countries lost 10% of their cumulative GDP to cybercrime in 2021.

For Lourino Alberto Chemane, chairman of the board of Mozambique's National Institute of Information and Communication Technology, there is a need for countries to cooperate to address the cybersecurity challenges.

“Cyber security has no borders, and no single country alone can address cyber security challenge,” he added.  

Samira Njoya