Cybersecurity in Africa

Cybersecurity has become one of the major challenges of the twenty-first century. As economies, public administrations and societies rely increasingly on digital technologies, the protection of information systems, data and critical infrastructure now shapes economic stability, national security and citizens' trust. Africa is undergoing rapid digital transformation. The rise of connectivity, digital financial services, e-commerce platforms, digital government and artificial intelligence is creating unprecedented opportunities for development. However, this evolution also exposes the continent to growing risks linked to cybercrime, attacks on critical infrastructure, digital fraud and threats to data sovereignty. This book makes an important contribution to thinking on these challenges. It adopts a strategic approach that goes beyond the purely technical aspects of cybersecurity to highlight the economic, institutional, legal, geopolitical and social dimensions of digital security in Africa. By offering analyses grounded in African realities and recommendations tailored to public decision-makers, businesses and entrepreneurs, this book serves as a decision-support tool and a call to strengthen cooperation, innovation and digital governance across the continent. May the reflections presented in these pages help make cybersecurity a lever for sustainable development, digital trust and sovereignty for Africa. This preface may, upon publication, be replaced by a text signed by a recognised figure from the academic, institutional or cybersecurity world.