Cybersecurity Awareness Webinar: Digital Safety for Africa — Protecting People & Organisations
October marks Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year, the Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACDT) joined the global movement with the launch of its month-long Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, dubbed #SecureDigitalAfrica. The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible digital practices across the continent.
The first in a two-part webinar series, this milestone event focused on empowering Africans, particularly those in civil society organizations, NGOs, non-profits, and social innovation spaces, to protect themselves and their organizations in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
The webinar brought together cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and advocates from across the continent to discuss how Africa can build stronger defenses against growing online threats while ensuring inclusion and collaboration in the digital era.
The session was opened by the moderator from ACDT welcoming participants and guests from Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and beyond. The moderator reminded attendees that while digital technologies connect and empower communities, they also expose users to significant risks.
Keynote speaker Professor Kofi Sarpong Adu-Manu, Associate Professor of Wireless Communication Networks at the University of Ghana, emphasized that the average person spends six to seven hours online daily, yet many still underestimate the importance of digital protection. He outlined major threats such as phishing, SIM swapping, and ransomware, urging individuals and organizations to adopt safer habits including using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and thinking before clicking unfamiliar links.
Ghana's Cybersecurity Story
A major highlight came from Colonel George Eduah Beesi of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), who presented Ghana’s latest cybersecurity data. He reported a 17% rise in cybercrime and ₵19 million in financial losses recorded between January and September 2024.
Despite these challenges, Ghana continues to rank as a Tier 1 country in cybersecurity readiness, demonstrating strong progress in legal, technical, and organizational frameworks. Colonel Beesi stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and information sharing in combating cybercrime effectively.
Closing the Digital Literacy Gap
Panelists Dr. Ibiso A. Kingsley-George, Doris Amankwah, and Peter Ongom shed light on one of Africa’s most persistent challenges, the digital literacy gap.
They warned that while Africa pushes for greater connectivity, many vulnerable populations remain unaware of basic online safety practices, leaving them exposed to scams, data breaches, and misinformation.
Dr. Kingsley-George called for a “whole-of-society approach” to cybersecurity policy that includes women, youth, and community groups, while Ongom highlighted how rural organizations in Uganda often lack the capacity to defend against cyberattacks.
Homegrown Solutions for African Realities
Panelists agreed that Africa’s best defense lies in homegrown innovation. They encouraged governments and institutions to:
- Promote local cybersecurity content and expertise;
- Adapt global frameworks like NIST to fit African contexts;
- Invest in training and scholarships to retain local cybersecurity professionals; and
- Build regional cooperation through the Malabo Convention and African Union Digital Transformation Strategy.
Doris Amankwah noted that Africa can “leapfrog” by enforcing existing cybersecurity laws, fostering AI policy awareness, and establishing shared Security Operations Centers (SOCs).
Inclusive and Gender-Aware Cybersecurity
A key takeaway from the event was the call for gender-inclusive cybersecurity. Panelist Peter Ongom emphasized that digital threats affect men and women differently, urging policymakers to design strategies that reflect these realities. He also advocated for cyber justice and feminism, ensuring online spaces become safer, fairer, and more empowering for women and marginalized groups.
Looking Ahead
The Africa Center for Digital Transformation announced that a second cybersecurity webinar will take place later in October, focusing on skills, careers, and policy development in the cybersecurity sector.
Founded in 2024, ACDT is a pan-African organization committed to policy advocacy, digital skills training, research, and innovation. Through initiatives like this webinar series, ACDT is helping to build a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital Africa where everyone can thrive online.