CA calls for stronger African cooperation to tackle cyber threats

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is urging African nations, regulators, and industry stakeholders to enhance collaboration in addressing cyber threats due to the escalating security risks confronting the continent's digital infrastructure. CA Director General David Mugonyi emphasized the need for investment in cybersecurity expertise, the exchange of threat intelligence, and improved coordination in addressing cyber incidents.

At the 7th Africa Cyber Defence Forum 2026 held in Nairobi, Mugonyi disclosed that the National Kenya Computer Incident Response Team Coordination Centre (KE-CIRT/CC) identified roughly 2.6 billion cyber threat events between July and September 2026, marking a 14.45 percent rise from the previous quarter. During the same period, the Authority issued over 20 million cybersecurity advisories to heighten awareness and bolster preparedness.

Mugonyi stressed that governments, regulators, academic institutions, and businesses should establish practical partnerships and bolster technical proficiency to fortify Africa's capability to predict and react to cyber threats. The forum, organized by CA in collaboration with the Africa Cyber Defence Forum (ACDF), gathers cybersecurity experts, policymakers, regulators, industry participants, and researchers to exchange knowledge and bolster technical capabilities.

Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo stressed that cyber sovereignty should not entail isolating African countries but empowering them to safeguard critical systems, secure data, cultivate local expertise, and foster strategic alliances. Kabogo advocated for persistent investment in cybersecurity skills, resilient infrastructure, institutional capacity, alongside enhanced regional cooperation.