Cybersecurity and geopolitical rivalry: Why Africa needs a digital defence strategy now
The G20 under South Africa’s presidency can become a platform for Africa’s digital security voice.
Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating – but so are the threats. From state-sponsored espionage to AI-driven phishing attacks, the continent’s cyber vulnerabilities are now firmly entangled in the web of global geopolitical rivalry. Nigeria, Africa’s largest mobile market with approximately 219 million subscribers, is on the frontline. It has a tele density of 101.16% and the market is projected to grow from $11.71 billion in 2025 to $26.98 billion by 2030. Nigerian networks were on the receiving end of nearly 13 million cyberattacks during its 2013 general elections. Hacktivist groups such as Anonymous Sudan targeted telecom operators, while fintech platforms such as Flutterwave lost over $13 million to cybercriminals. These attacks are not random – they are increasingly strategic, geopolitical and transnational.
Despite this, Africa remains drastically under-protected. Nigeria’s cybersecurity budget is minimal. A 2024 proposal to fund cyber defences through a 0.5% levy on digital transactions, projected to raise $1.9 billion, was suspended amid a public backlash. Meanwhile, Nigeria has just 8 352 cybersecurity professionals, compared to over 230 000 in Brazil and 57 000 in South Africa.
Learning from global leaders
Africa does not have to start from scratch. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency demonstrates the power of a centralised cyber defence model. The EU’s NIS2 Directive compels companies to follow strict security protocols – audits, breach notifications and mandatory risk assessments across 18 sectors. Israel’s integrated cyber ecosystem, where public–private partnerships and cyber education begin in high school, has created a security culture that Nigeria (and Africa as a whole) should replicate. These models show that proactive governance, consistent regulation and skilled talent pipelines are key to national cyber resilience.
Emerging tech, emerging threats
Nigeria is betting big on emerging technologies. It leads Africa in cryptocurrency adoption and is piloting blockchain applications for land registries and digital IDs. But these innovations carry risks. In 2024, African-linked crypto wallets received over $41 billion in illicit digital assets, with Nigeria as a major entry point. The same applies to AI and the Internet of Things (IoT). From smart meters to surveillance systems, IoT devices in Nigerian homes and offices are mostly unprotected. AI is being used not only to detect threats but also to generate fake voices and deep fakes, making scams harder to uncover. Without updated legislation and oversight, these technologies can be weaponised.
A G20 opportunity for Africa
The G20 – especially under South Africa’s presidency – can become a platform for Africa’s digital security voice. Here’s how:
G20 Task Force 3 (Digital Technologies): Support African nations in building secure digital infrastructure. Create a global fund to co-finance cybersecurity capacity in low-income economies.
G20 Task Force 5 (Peace and Security): Embed cybersecurity in the global peace and development agenda. Recognise that digital attacks are as destabilising as armed conflict.
G20 Cyber Compact: Encourage voluntary minimum cybersecurity standards for all member states and partners, especially on IoT, AI and digital finance.
Africa’s leadership potential
Nigeria and its African peers must lead by example. That means:
Establishing national cybersecurity agencies with real enforcement power;
Mandating audits and incident reporting for banks, telecoms and public services;
Investing in cybersecurity education and workforce development; and
Promoting regional cooperation via ECOWAS, the AU and cyber diplomacy.
Digital inclusion without digital protection is a false promise. Africa deserves more than just tech investments: it needs digital sovereignty. The G20 must recognise that cybersecurity is development, security and diplomacy rolled into one. With global support and local leadership, Africa can turn its digital vulnerability into strategic advantage.
* The views expressed in T20 blog posts are those of the author/s.
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Commentary
Cybersecurity and geopolitical rivalry: Why Africa needs a digital defence strategy now
The G20 under South Africa’s presidency can become a platform for Africa’s digital security voice.
Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating – but so are the threats. From state-sponsored espionage to AI-driven phishing attacks, the continent’s cyber vulnerabilities are now firmly entangled in the web of global geopolitical rivalry. Nigeria, Africa’s largest mobile market with approximately 219 million subscribers, is on the frontline. It has a tele density of 101.16% and the market is projected to grow from $11.71 billion in 2025 to $26.98 billion by 2030. Nigerian networks were on the receiving end of nearly 13 million cyberattacks during its 2013 general elections. Hacktivist groups such as Anonymous Sudan targeted telecom operators, while fintech platforms such as Flutterwave lost over $13 million to cybercriminals. These attacks are not random – they are increasingly strategic, geopolitical and transnational.
Despite this, Africa remains drastically under-protected. Nigeria’s cybersecurity budget is minimal. A 2024 proposal to fund cyber defences through a 0.5% levy on digital transactions, projected to raise $1.9 billion, was suspended amid a public backlash. Meanwhile, Nigeria has just 8 352 cybersecurity professionals, compared to over 230 000 in Brazil and 57 000 in South Africa.
Learning from global leaders
Africa does not have to start from scratch. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency demonstrates the power of a centralised cyber defence model. The EU’s NIS2 Directive compels companies to follow strict security protocols – audits, breach notifications and mandatory risk assessments across 18 sectors. Israel’s integrated cyber ecosystem, where public–private partnerships and cyber education begin in high school, has created a security culture that Nigeria (and Africa as a whole) should replicate. These models show that proactive governance, consistent regulation and skilled talent pipelines are key to national cyber resilience.
Emerging tech, emerging threats
Nigeria is betting big on emerging technologies. It leads Africa in cryptocurrency adoption and is piloting blockchain applications for land registries and digital IDs. But these innovations carry risks. In 2024, African-linked crypto wallets received over $41 billion in illicit digital assets, with Nigeria as a major entry point. The same applies to AI and the Internet of Things (IoT). From smart meters to surveillance systems, IoT devices in Nigerian homes and offices are mostly unprotected. AI is being used not only to detect threats but also to generate fake voices and deep fakes, making scams harder to uncover. Without updated legislation and oversight, these technologies can be weaponised.
A G20 opportunity for Africa
The G20 – especially under South Africa’s presidency – can become a platform for Africa’s digital security voice. Here’s how:
Africa’s leadership potential
Nigeria and its African peers must lead by example. That means:
Digital inclusion without digital protection is a false promise. Africa deserves more than just tech investments: it needs digital sovereignty. The G20 must recognise that cybersecurity is development, security and diplomacy rolled into one. With global support and local leadership, Africa can turn its digital vulnerability into strategic advantage.
* The views expressed in T20 blog posts are those of the author/s.
26 May 2025
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