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The continent has finally realized the need to protect its digital borders.
Problems with cyber espionage and the vulnerability of supply chains are forcing African countries to look for ways to diversify their technology partners. Recent incidents involving backdoor injection and data breaches have highlighted the risks of dependence on foreign suppliers, especially from China and the United States.
As it turned out, for five years, computers at the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia — a facility built by Chinese companies — had been transmitting sensitive data to servers in China. China denies the allegations, but the case has become a symbol of the vulnerability of technology supplies.
According to a report by the African Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), African countries are beginning to reconsider their approaches to sourcing. Particular attention is paid to the security of supply chains that span applications, devices, infrastructure, and services.
Nate Allen, the author of the report, notes that African countries' interest in greater independence in technology is growing. According to him, African states are aware of the need to control and influence their supply chains.
Against the backdrop of global threats such as the WannaCry and NotPetya attacks, African countries are also concerned about foreign interference, not only from China, but also from other players, including the United States.
Mark Walker, Vice President of IDC South Africa, emphasizes that the development of local technologies and improving the skills of the population is the key to reducing dependence. However, limited resources slow down this process.
Despite efforts, 36 of the 100 most popular apps in Africa are created by Chinese companies and 23 by American companies, while the share of African developers is extremely small. U.S. dominance is also evident in operating systems, with Windows, Android, and iOS leading the way.
However, the African technology market is growing, and local companies have a better understanding of national needs. Diversity and competition can help reduce the influence of external players, the ACSS report notes.
Incidents such as the attack on Kenyan officials over debts to China, as well as operations targeting diplomatic missions and military forces, confirm the importance of improving cybersecurity. African experts also warn about the vulnerabilities of open source software, which is actively used on the continent.
Companies wishing to operate in the African market must take into account local characteristics and offer reliable solutions. Without this, they risk giving way to competitors, Walker emphasizes.
Source
Problems with cyber espionage and the vulnerability of supply chains are forcing African countries to look for ways to diversify their technology partners. Recent incidents involving backdoor injection and data breaches have highlighted the risks of dependence on foreign suppliers, especially from China and the United States.
As it turned out, for five years, computers at the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia — a facility built by Chinese companies — had been transmitting sensitive data to servers in China. China denies the allegations, but the case has become a symbol of the vulnerability of technology supplies.
According to a report by the African Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), African countries are beginning to reconsider their approaches to sourcing. Particular attention is paid to the security of supply chains that span applications, devices, infrastructure, and services.
Nate Allen, the author of the report, notes that African countries' interest in greater independence in technology is growing. According to him, African states are aware of the need to control and influence their supply chains.
Against the backdrop of global threats such as the WannaCry and NotPetya attacks, African countries are also concerned about foreign interference, not only from China, but also from other players, including the United States.
Mark Walker, Vice President of IDC South Africa, emphasizes that the development of local technologies and improving the skills of the population is the key to reducing dependence. However, limited resources slow down this process.
Despite efforts, 36 of the 100 most popular apps in Africa are created by Chinese companies and 23 by American companies, while the share of African developers is extremely small. U.S. dominance is also evident in operating systems, with Windows, Android, and iOS leading the way.
However, the African technology market is growing, and local companies have a better understanding of national needs. Diversity and competition can help reduce the influence of external players, the ACSS report notes.
Incidents such as the attack on Kenyan officials over debts to China, as well as operations targeting diplomatic missions and military forces, confirm the importance of improving cybersecurity. African experts also warn about the vulnerabilities of open source software, which is actively used on the continent.
Companies wishing to operate in the African market must take into account local characteristics and offer reliable solutions. Without this, they risk giving way to competitors, Walker emphasizes.
Source
