Smart Africa Strengthens Cybersecurity with ANCA

Smart Africa strengthens cybersecurity with ANCA five-year roadmap with a constitution and five-year strategy, uniting African nations to combat cyber threats and enhance digital security.

Smart Africa has officially adopted its constitution, governing the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA), a collaborative initiative designed to bring
together cybersecurity authorities from African countries to address the growing challenges posed by cyber threats and crimes.

The 5th ANCA meeting also unveiled the presentation of ANCA’s comprehensive five-year strategy, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity resilience across the African continent. With increasing cyber risks crossing national borders. The establishment of the ANCA is a critical step toward a unified, continental approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that African governments, businesses, and citizens can engage in a secure, trustworthy digital ecosystem.

The network will play an instrumental role in coordinating cybersecurity policies, legislation, and threat management across Africa. By strengthening cooperation among African nations, ANCA seeks to counter cybercrime, foster a collective response to emerging threats, and advocate for Africa’s cybersecurity interests on the global stage.

The launch of the ANCA marks the culmination of a dialogue between Smart Africa member countries about the urgent need for a cross-border organization to address cybersecurity matters. The initiative has been strongly supported by Ghana and Morocco, who have been instrumental in its development.

The launch of the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities is a landmark moment for the continent.

Cybersecurity is no longer a national issue; it is a continental and global concern. Through ANCA, we are building a strong, coordinated framework that will allow African nations to tackle cyber threats collaboratively. This is essential not only for the safety of our digital infrastructure but also for the realization of our vision of a Single Digital Market by 2030.

– Lacina Koné, CEO, Smart Africa

ANCA envisions a secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem for all – citizens, businesses, and governments across Africa. In view of that, ANCA has adopted its Constitution and a Five-Year roadmap to guide continental level cybersecurity development. Together, we can transform the current challenges into opportunities and ensure that our continent thrives in this digital age.

– Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Chairperson, ANCA

I strongly believe that ANCA will accelerate the operationalization of key cybersecurity functions of its members, notably the exchange of intelligence information, technical assistance, training, collaboration and coordination of cyber exercises. Morocco has agreed and committed to contribute to the ANCA operational activities by establishing a regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) that will be hosted in Morocco and serving ANCA members.

– General El Mostafa Rabii, Vice-chair, ANCA

The African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities will provide a platform for cross-border collaboration. It will enable the sharing of cybersecurity intelligence, legislation, and law enforcement resources as well as ensuring that its members are attend with one voice on global cybersecurity matters.

The creation of a continental cybersecurity organization reflects Smart Africa’s ongoing commitment to strengthening cybersecurity across the continent. In 2023, the organization also spearheaded the development of the Continental Cybersecurity Blueprint, under the leadership of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.