GFCE and AUDA-NEPAD Partner to Strengthen Cybersecurity Across Africa
The Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) have announced a partnership to strengthen cybersecurity capacity across Africa, advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of a “peaceful and secure Africa.” This collaboration supports the Malabo Convention’s objectives for establishing comprehensive cybersecurity and data protection measures across the continent.
On November 1st 2024, Dr. Amine Idriss Adoum (AUDA-NEPAD’s Director of Economy, Infrastructure, Trade, Industrialisation and Regional Integration) met with Mr. Moctar Yedaly (GFCE Africa Hub Director) in Johannesburg at the AUDA-NEPAD headquarters. During the meeting, both organisations underscored the importance of this partnership in realising Agenda 2063’s aspirations through a common commitment to boost Africa’s cybersecurity capabilities.
“This partnership is a milestone in our collective effort to strengthen Africa’s cybersecurity,” said Mr. Yedaly. “By working closely with AUDA-NEPAD, we aim to create sustainable, locally driven solutions that will protect Africa’s digital future and support its socio-economic growth.”
Key areas of focus for this partnership include enhancing national cyber capabilities by setting up Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), developing sustainable funding models to foster self-reliance and to ensure long-term sustainability , and increasing Africa’s engagement in global cybersecurity initiatives. Facing rising cyber threats that cost the continent an estimated $4 billion each year, GFCE and AUDA-NEPAD aim to create a secure digital environment that supports Africa’s digital transitionand enhances their cyber resilience.
“Cybersecurity is not merely a technical necessity but an essential enabler of trust and sustainable growth,” said Dr. Amine Idriss Adoum. He underscored that AUDA-NEPAD’s commitment to the Malabo Convention is a critical step toward creating a secure digital landscape essential for Africa’s broader socio-economic aspirations within Agenda 2063.
The partnership between AUDA-NEPAD and the GFCE paves the way for a cyber secure and resilient Africa, capable of countering current challenges while fortifying future defenses. It supports Africa’s ambitions for deeper integration and sustainable development, ensuring that digital advancements align with the continent’s broader vision for growth and unity.
Read the full press release on the AUDA-NEPAD website here.
Mr. Amine Idriss, Senior Director, AUDA-NEPAD (left) and Moctar Yedaly, Regional Director, GFCE Africa Hub (right).
