AI adoption could expose African ports to cyberattacks – Dantsoho

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, has cautioned that the increasing use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in port operations could put African ports at risk of major economic disruptions due to cyberattacks. Dantsoho, who is also President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, made this warning during the African Ports Conference in Casablanca, Morocco.

He called for enhanced cybersecurity measures, collaboration among ports in the region, and the establishment of common digital standards. The warning comes in the wake of several cyberattacks on port infrastructure, such as the one that forced South Africa's container terminals to declare "force majeure" in July 2021, and disruptions at the Port of Nagoya in Japan and DP World terminals in Australia in 2023.

Dantsoho emphasized that cyberattacks are no longer just IT issues but can severely disrupt trade, cargo movement, and maritime supply chains. He stressed that while artificial intelligence can enhance efficiency and decision-making in port operations, cybersecurity is crucial to ensure that ports remain operational even during cyberattacks.