Improving cyber tech capacity in Africa

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, African nations are stepping up their efforts to prioritize cyber defense infrastructure and collaboration. The global investment in cybersecurity has been consistently growing over the years, with the threat landscape becoming increasingly severe. Solomon Soka, the Director General of Information Network Security Ethiopia, shared valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities in the cyber tech space during a recent interview. The cyber industry is experiencing a rapid evolution, becoming more sophisticated, complex, and disruptive. Recent data shows that global investments in cybersecurity have been on the rise, with the predicted cost reaching trillions of dollars by 2025, positioning cyberspace as the third-largest economy in the world. The emergence of technologies such as generative AI and quantum computing has added complexities and risks to the cybersecurity landscape, raising concerns for both developing and developed nations. Soka highlighted Ethiopia's significant progress in the cybersecurity sector over the past 17 years, attributing it to the establishment of the Information Network Security Agency by the current Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed. The agency has played a crucial role in developing the country's defensive capabilities and human capital in cybersecurity. Ethiopia has invested in homegrown technologies and products, focusing on sectors like banking, financial services, critical infrastructure, and public services to enhance its cybersecurity posture. Soka emphasized the importance of collaboration and information sharing in cybersecurity. He discussed efforts to engage in cyber diplomacy and unite African nations in building stronger defense mechanisms. Collaborative initiatives under the African Union and regional platforms aim to enable nations to share expertise and best practices. Soka suggested the establishment of an Africa SOC or Africa CERT to facilitate collective cybersecurity efforts and intelligence sharing across the continent. He highlighted the need for Africa to adapt to emerging trends like quantum computing and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of cyber threats and enhancing digital transformation initiatives. Overall, the interview shed light on the growing importance of cybersecurity in Africa and the opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the cyberspace.