Smart Africa, a continental digital alliance, and e-Crime Bureau, a cybersecurity consulting firm, have signed a protocol agreement to bolster cybersecurity in Africa. The agreement was signed on November 2, 2026, in Accra, on the sidelines of the 15th African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF). The partnership aims to support the development of cybersecurity on the continent, with a focus on skills development, risk management, and technological solutions.
The agreement is built around three main pillars. The first pillar focuses on developing African skills and workforce in cybersecurity, promoting cooperation between the private sector, public authorities, and international partners. The second pillar deals with processes, including governance, risk management, protection of critical information infrastructure, and harmonization of laws and policies between countries. The third pillar aims to develop and deploy technological solutions to protect the African digital ecosystem.
The agreement does not specify a budget or timeline for implementation, nor does it identify the countries that will benefit first from the planned actions. According to Smart Africa's Director General, Lacina Koné, the partnership is part of a long-standing effort to enhance cybersecurity on the continent. Smart Africa has previously developed a continental cybersecurity master plan and established the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA).
For e-Crime Bureau, the agreement marks a new era for the organization, which has recently undergone a restructuring. The company's Executive Chairman, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, sees the partnership as a significant step forward. The agreement comes as cyber threats to connected systems are becoming increasingly diverse, with recent research highlighting the emergence of self-replicating AI viruses on connected objects.
The partnership between Smart Africa and e-Crime Bureau is seen as a critical step towards enhancing cybersecurity on the African continent. With the increasing threat of cyber attacks, the need for cooperation and collaboration between stakeholders has become more pressing. The agreement is expected to facilitate the development of cybersecurity skills and capacity on the continent.
e-Crime Bureau has reorganized itself into three hubs: Côme, Italy, for standards, certifications, and technological partnerships; Dubai, for commercial development; and Accra, for talent development. This restructuring is part of the company's strategy to expand its presence and capabilities in the global cybersecurity market.
The effectiveness of the partnership in enhancing cybersecurity on the African continent remains to be seen. Key to its success will be the implementation of concrete actions and the involvement of Francophone countries, which are members of Smart Africa. The partnership is expected to contribute to the development of a safer and more secure digital environment in Africa.
Key points
- The agreement focuses on skills development, risk management, and technological solutions to enhance cybersecurity on the African continent.
