threats can only be fully addressed by developing a strong culture of cybersecurity, creating robust response capabilities and enacting appropriate and effective national policies. 7. Considering the multiple dimensions and complexity of Cybersecurity, Protection and prevention against worldwide criminal activities in cyberspace requires cooperation and coordination among a wide variety of stakeholders both within and between countries. In light of the importance of the ICT sector and its positive impact on the social and economic development of the African Countries, there is an urgent need to develop a global approach and coherent strategy on cybersecurity issues at continental level to promote peace and security in the information society. II: Background: 2.1. The African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and personal data protection 8. To address the legislative challenges posed by criminal activities committed over ICT networks in a regional and continental compatible manner and in response to the need for Harmonized legislations in the area of Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection in Member States of the African Union, the AU 23rd Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Malabo on 26-27 June 2014 adopted The African Union “ Convention on Cybersecurity and personal data protection” know now as The Malabo Convention. 9. The Malabo convention seeks on the establishment of a Legal Framework for Cyber-security and Personal Data Protection and sets broad guidelines for incrimination and repression of cybercrime and related issues. It embodies the existing commitments of African Union Member States at regional, continental and international levels to build an information society that respects cultural values and beliefs of the African Nation, guarantees a high level of legal and technological security to ensure respect of online privacy and freedoms while enhancing the promotion and development of ICTs in Member States. 10. The Convention sets forth the essential security rules for establishing a credible digital environment and strengthening existing legislations on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) of AU Member States and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs). 2.2. Recalling the recommendations of the First Ordinary Session of the STCCICT-1 11. The First Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and Information &Communication Technologies (STC-CICT-1) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 31 August to 4 September 2015 requested: o The African Union Commission to ensure the follow up of the signing and ratification by Member States of the African Union Convention on Cyber-Security and Personal Data Protection and ; o Member states to accelerate the signature and the ratification of the AU Convention, the development of National Cyber-Security legislations and creation Page 2 of 10