In the face of rising cyber threats, several countries have succeeded in securing their cyberspace, while others still struggle to keep up. Among the world's top-performing countries, seven are from Africa.
Forty-six countries are considered the best prepared in terms of cybersecurity, and among them are seven African nations. This is according to the latest Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The African countries leading in cybersecurity are Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, Egypt, and Morocco. These nations scored between 95 and 100 on the ITU's cybersecurity index. This composite index evaluates five key areas: cybercrime and cybersecurity laws and regulations; the implementation of technical capacities by national and sectoral agencies; awareness campaigns, training, education, and incentives for capacity building in cybersecurity; partnerships between agencies, businesses, and countries; and national strategies and organizations implementing cybersecurity measures.
"This edition of the GCI placed 46 countries at level 1 (T1), the highest level. If the tiered system had been applied to the fourth edition of the GCI, 30 countries would have been placed at T1. Most of the movement to level 1 comes from countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Arab States, and Africa. These countries have made significant progress in the five pillars of the GCI since the last edition,” the report highlights.
Cybersecurity has become a major issue in Africa due to the acceleration of digital transformation. This has led to an increase in cyberattacks, causing estimated losses of $10 billion in 2023, according to the "Reimagining the African Cybersecurity Landscape” report published by Serianu, a Kenyan cybersecurity consulting firm.