By: Bamba B. Mbye, Cyber Security Consultant at FSP Consulting Services Limited BSc (Hons) Cyber Security
The rapid digitisation of Africa is transforming economies, fostering innovation and connecting millions. However, this digital revolution has brought with it an alarming rise in cybercrime. In countries like The Gambia, as well as across the continent, businesses, governments, and individuals are increasingly falling prey to ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
Cybercrime is now a significant threat to national security and economic stability in Africa. According to recent reports, African nations lost billions of dollars to cybercrime in 2023 alone[i]. The Gambia, as an emerging digital economy, faces a critical need to protect its digital infrastructure, safeguard sensitive data, and secure online transactions.
The Growing Cybercrime Landscape
Africa’s rapid adoption of technology has outpaced the implementation of corresponding cybersecurity measures. The proliferation of weak IT systems, a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals and limited awareness among end-users create a fertile ground for cybercriminals.
On December 17, 2024, the BBC reported a ransomware attack on Namibia’s state-owned telecom company, exposing sensitive customer data, including details about top government officials[ii]. Cybercrime is estimated to cost Africa $4–10 billion annually, about 0.3% of the continent’s GDP.
For The Gambia and other African countries, the stakes are high. Cybercrime not only leads to financial losses but also erodes public trust in digital platforms and undermines national security. Moreover, as African governments increasingly adopt e-governance systems and businesses rely on digital transactions, the risk of high-profile cyberattacks becomes ever more pronounced.
The Importance of Cybersecurity Frameworks
To combat this rising threat, African governments, including The Gambia, must adopt robust cybersecurity frameworks such as ISO 27001 and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines. These internationally recognised standards provide a systematic approach to managing information security risks.
The ISO 27001standard outline the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It focuses on identifying risks, implementing controls to mitigate them and continuously monitoring and improving security measures.
Benefits for The Gambia: By adopting ISO 27001, organisations can ensure better protection of sensitive data, compliance with international regulations, and improved resilience against cyberattacks.
[iii]
NIST Cybersecurity Framework: The NIST framework provides guidelines to identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats. It emphasizes a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, making it adaptable to organizations of all sizes and industries.
Benefits for The Gambia: NIST’s flexible and scalable nature makes it ideal for both small businesses and national systems. It can help Gambian institutions build a culture of proactive risk management and incident response.
Recommendations for The Gambia and Africa
Implement National Cybersecurity Policies: Governments should actively enforce and operationalise comprehensive national cybersecurity strategies, supported by clear policies and regulations. These policies should ensure compliance with frameworks like ISO 27001 and NIST, particularly in critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government.
Capacity Building and Education: Training programs to upskill IT professionals in cybersecurity best practices are essential. Awareness campaigns targeting businesses and the general public will also help reduce vulnerabilities.
Invest in Infrastructure: Governments should invest in secure IT infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption tools. Strengthening internet service providers’ (ISPs) capabilities is also vital to detect and prevent attacks.
Regional Collaboration: African countries must collaborate to share intelligence, tools, and best practices. Platforms such as the African Union’s Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention) can facilitate this.
Public-Private Partnerships: Engaging the private sector in cybersecurity efforts can help bridge the resource gap. Governments should incentivise businesses to adopt security frameworks and collaborate on developing innovative solutions.
Incident Response Teams (IRTs): Establishing national and regional Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) can help identify and mitigate cyber threats effectively.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is no longer optional; it is a necessity for safeguarding the digital future of The Gambia and Africa as a whole. By implementing internationally recognised frameworks like ISO 27001 and NIST, African governments can significantly reduce their cyber-attack surfaces, protect critical systems, and build trust in the digital economy.
The time to act is now. Africa’s digital growth holds immense potential, but this progress must be fortified by robust cybersecurity measures. The Gambia, as a rising digital economy, has the opportunity to set an example for the continent by prioritising cybersecurity and creating a safer digital environment for its citizens and businesses.
[i] https://apnews.com/article/interpol-cybercrime-africa-afripol-fraud-serengeti-trafficking-208111329edd3a1a64faf85cc7c0d2c0
[ii]https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3l509e6x7o#:~:text=Namibia’s%20state%2Downed%20telecoms%20company,information%20about%20top%20government%20officials.
[iii]https://www.darkreading.com/cyber-risk/africa-s-economies-feel-pain-of-cybersecurity-deficit?utm_source=chatgpt.com
