A global approach on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime in Africa
I: Introduction:
1. During the last decade the African continent has witnessed big achievements in
building ICT infrastructures and Internet access has been growing very rapidly.
From less than 5% in 2007, Internet penetration has reached 28% in 2015,
bridging Africa’s gap to the rest of the world. If this growth rate is sustained, Africa
should have access rates comparable to the developed world within the next
decade.
2. It is clear that the Internet, mobile networks, and related information and
communications technologies (ICTs) have become indispensable tools for
governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals across the globe. These
technologies have spurred tremendous economic development, increased the
free flow of information, and promoted gains in efficiency, productivity and
creativity across Africa.
3. The use of ICTs, and in particular the Internet, has become a matter of strategic
importance. A free, open and secure Internet is an engine for economic growth
and social development that facilitates communication, innovation, research and
business transformation. However, the increased importance of internet has also
presented our global community with new challenges: As our societies become
more interconnected and dependent on the Internet and ICTs, we become more
vulnerable to the misuse of these technologies and we need to ensure that the
security of our ICT infrastructure is continually improved in order to maintain its
integrity as well as end users’ trust in its reliability.
4. The rapid growth of the Internet has created new opportunities for perpetrating
cybercrime on a global scale, to exploit the inherent vulnerabilities in constantly
evolving technology. As African countries increase access to broadband Internet,
issues relating to cybersecurity and cybercrime are emerging and there is a need
to ensure that citizens, governments and business are protected.
5. The increasing global cyber threats and cyber-attacks already constitute a threat
to the national, regional and international peace and security. Cyber threats
represent global problems and they need global frameworks as instruments to
promote security and stability in cyberspace. Cyber security concerns are broader
than national security and yet, few cybersecurity initiatives have been
implemented at continental level. A strategy and cybersecurity frameworks based
on a common approach and common understanding are needed among Member
States of the African Union.
6. Africa is facing several Internet-related challenges in relation to security
provisions to prevent and control technological and informational risks; such
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