How do cybersecurity and network resilience influence Internet reliability?

Cybersecurity and network resilience are key challenges for reliable Internet access in Africa. The rapid growth of the numerical infrastructure, combined with the rise of the penetration of mobile technologies, is more and more exposing african countries to cyber threats, which raises major concerns regarding security and network stability.

Cybersecurity: a key challenge

Cybersecurity in Africa remains a complex challenge. The continent knows an increasing number of cyberattacks, could be ransomwares, online fraud or cyberespionage. According to a report fromInternational Telecommunication Union cyber attacks have increased significantly in Africa in recent years, affecting companies, governments and individuals. This rise in cyberthreats is exacerbated by the still young and sometimes insufficiently protected digital infrastructure of some African countries.

Critical infrastructures such as banking networks, telecommunications platforms and healthcare systems are particularly vulnerable. This poses a risk to the reliability of Internet access, as the protection of these systems is essential to guarantee secure online services. Consequently, efforts are needed to strengthen cybersecurity policies, promote regional cooperation on digital security and raise awareness of the importance of data protection.

Network resilience: coping with interruptions

Network resilience is also a crucial factor in ensuring Internet service continuity. Africa remains heavily dependent on undersea cables for its international connectivity, making it vulnerable to service interruptions in the event of cable failure. 

In 2024, several West African countries were severely impacted by the simultaneous rupture of several undersea cables, causing massive cuts in Internet access. These events highlighted the fragility of digital infrastructures and the need to improve network resilience.​

Investment in local infrastructure, including fiber optic networks, is essential to diversify connectivity sources and reduce dependence on submarine cables. In addition, regional initiatives to develop stand-alone connectivity solutions and enhance infrastructure redundancy could help minimize the impact of outages and guarantee reliable Internet access.

Initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience

In response to these challenges, a number of initiatives have been put in place to strengthen cybersecurity and network resilience in Africa. TheAfrican Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection is an example of a regional policy that aims to harmonize efforts to secure digital infrastructures and promote the protection of personal data across the continent.

In addition, companies and international organizations have begun to invest in training and building local capacity in cybersecurity. These efforts are essential to improving digital risk management and the resilience of African networks.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity and network resilience are key factors in the reliability of Internet access in Africa. Faced with increasing cyberthreats and infrastructure vulnerabilities, it is crucial to invest in securing networks and diversifying connectivity sources. Sustained efforts in these areas will be essential to guarantee a secure and reliable digital environment, conducive to the continent's economic and social development.