Evaluating Cybersecurity Strategies in Africa

An increasing number of people around the globe are becoming more reliant on information communications technology and digital infrastructure for seamless access to information, communication, and efficient service delivery. Nonetheless, this interconnectivity creates vulnerabilities and interdependencies which need to be managed at a national level. As such, securing the cyberspace is therefore an essential requirement for allowing the economic and social development of a nation and its people to fully benefit from the digital transformation. Securing the cyber space at a national level is a shared responsibility which requires a harmonised action for prevention, preparation, response, and incident recovery on the part of government authorities, the private sector, and civil society. This chapter evaluates national cybersecurity strategies of five African countries including Botswana, Rwanda, Mauritius, Ghana, and Nigeria using the national cybersecurity strategy guide as drafted by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) alongside other stakeholders.