Page 2 on information systems and networks that tend to control their information technologies needs and security facilities. African States are in dire need of innovative criminal policy strategies that embody State, societal and technical responses to create a credible legal climate for cyber security. It should however be observed that most States do not have communication tools that integrate adequate means as required to achieve or guarantee a minimum level of security, nor the human resources capable of conceiving and creating a credible legal framework. The computer systems that have been networked are accessible only remotely and have become potential targets of cyber attacks which compromise the capacity to process, safeguard, communicate informational capital, intangible values and symbols, and the process of production or decision of those possessing such symbols, with implications for the security and survival of States and organizations. Today, Africa more than elsewhere in the world, should as a matter of urgency offer individuals, organizations and States measures, procedures and tools for more effective management of technological, informational and legal risks. The stakes inherent in the effective control of technological risks are extremely high, and have to be addressed globally at the international level, by taking all Member States of the Union on board the security initiative, while respecting the fundamental rights of persons and of the States. Noteworthy efforts (national, community and international level) have been deployed in the realm of legal protection. In this regard, the ECA has initiated a comprehensive harmonization project in cooperation with the authorities of UEMOA and ECOWAS. Other Regional Economic Communities have followed in the same path at a time when the States are increasingly enacting legislations on cyber security and ICTs in general. The ITU has similarly produced a guide on cyber security for use by developing countries. This Convention pursues and deepens this momentum. It paves the way for a huge qualitative leap while giving content to political will. 2) Stakes and challenges Cyber security raises stakes that are both multiple and complex, against which the magnitude of the challenges are to be measured. AU Draft0 010111