Technology experts, policymakers, and affiliated partners have emphasized the need for unity among Africa's regulators to effectively tackle cross-border cyber threats. This call to action was made during a Regional ICT Regulators' Forum held in Nairobi, where regulators from various countries gathered to discuss emerging technologies, cyber security threats, digital fraud, and disruptions to critical communications infrastructure. The forum highlighted the complexities of cyber threats that can affect multiple countries simultaneously.
David Mugonyi, Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, noted that a damaged submarine cable off one coast can slow commerce across a dozen countries, and a fraud scheme devised in one market can reach consumers in all of theirs within hours. He stressed that regulators working in isolation cannot effectively address these threats, emphasizing the need for collaboration and agility in addressing emerging challenges.
The Regional ICT Regulators' Forum was part of the eighth cohort of the ICT Policy and Regulation – Institutional Strengthening Programme (iPRIS). The forum brought together national regulatory authorities from Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Liberia, as well as regional regulatory organisations such as the East African Communications Organisation (EACO), Communications Regulators' Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), and West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Association (WATRA).
Regulators across the continent need to become more agile, evidence-driven, and collaborative as artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and next-generation networks reshape economies and public services. Mugonyi emphasized that regulation shouldn't be limited to developing rules and enforcing compliance but must also support innovation, protect consumers, promote fair competition, and expand access to digital services.
The forum provided a platform for regulators to share experiences, best practices, and strategies for addressing cross-border cyber threats. Participants acknowledged that no single regulator, however capable, can address these challenges alone. They stressed the importance of collaboration, information sharing, and coordinated efforts to effectively tackle emerging threats.
The ICT Policy and Regulation – Institutional Strengthening Programme (iPRIS) aims to strengthen the capacity of national regulatory authorities to develop and implement effective ICT policies and regulations. The programme has brought together regulators from various countries to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in addressing emerging challenges in the ICT sector.
The call for unity among Africa's regulators comes at a time when cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and cross-border. Regulators must work together to develop effective strategies for addressing these threats and ensuring the security and integrity of critical communications infrastructure. By collaborating and sharing knowledge, regulators can better protect consumers, promote fair competition, and support innovation in the ICT sector.
Key points
- Regulators across Africa need to unite to effectively tackle cross-border cyber threats.
- No single regulator can address emerging threats alone, collaboration is necessary.
- Regulators need to become more agile, evidence-driven, and collaborative to address emerging challenges.
