A recent Global Cybersecurity Outlook report by the World Economic Forum reveals that over 40% of African companies lack confidence in their governments’ ability to handle major cybersecurity incidents, a higher percentage than in other global regions.
- In Africa, 36% of companies express doubts about national cybersecurity preparedness, compared to 15% in Europe and North America, and 0% in Oceania.
- Only 9% of African firms are “very confident” in their governments’ cybersecurity measures, whereas Europe reports 13%, North America 17%, and Oceania 25%.
- Smaller organizations, which constitute the majority in Africa, report greater struggles with cyber resilience. Globally, the percentage of small organizations citing ‘insufficient’ cyber resilience rose from 5% in 2022 to 35% in 2024.
Isabelle Meyer, CO-CEO of ZENDATA Cybersecurity, attributes this lack of confidence to significant disparities in cybersecurity investments and human resources. She notes that while North America and Europe have invested in cybersecurity infrastructure and public-private partnerships for over two decades, many African nations lack comprehensive regulations, sufficient professionals, and operational centers. Meyer emphasizes that these gaps naturally lead to concerns about cybersecurity readiness among African organizations.
Expert Analysis:
The findings highlight a pressing need for African governments to prioritize cybersecurity by developing robust policies, investing in infrastructure, and fostering public-private collaborations. Addressing the shortage of skilled professionals through education and training programs is crucial.
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