This document discusses the emerging need for cyber security in Sub-Saharan Africa as digital technology and internet usage increases. As African countries receive more technology from China, they need to ensure it is secure to prevent sensitive data from being leaked. This is important as incidents have occurred in other countries where Chinese hardware contained applications sending data back to China. To address this need, the document proposes establishing an African cyber command to train military personnel on information assurance and cyber warfare. This would help secure infrastructure and curb cybercrime within African nations. As digital adoption grows, fostering awareness of information assurance is seen as essential for Sub-Saharan Africa.

1. Emerging Need for Cyber
Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

2. EMERGING NEED FOR CYBER SECURITY
IN SUB-SUBHARAN AFRICA
Prepared by Mr. Augustine Dike & Dr. Maurice
Dawson Jr. of Alabama A&M University

3. Abstract
• Abstract: As Sub-Saharan African continue to do more business with the Chinese it is essential
that the technology received is secured. This is important as many African countries have
continued to increase the numbers of mobile devices, and internet usage over the last decade. As
many western countries such as the United States of America (U.S.A.) have encountered issues
with The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) such as reported incidents of applications that provide
data back to PRC embedded in hardware manufactured in China. Sub-Saharan Africa needs to be
sure that the products received undergo a rigorous test as the possibility for sensitive data to be
leaked is a reality. As China supplies this area of Africa with technology, Africans needs to be able
to understand the Information Assurance (IA) posture of received products. To prepare Africans
to be able to do this would mean a need for an African cyber command which trains military
servicemen on IA and cyber warfare. As certain African countries have above average crime as
identified by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED) a secure IA
posture would also ensure that cyber criminals within countries encounter technical roadblocks
when attempting to steal sensitive information from individuals. As Sub-Saharan African
countries move toward into the digital age it is essential there is an awareness that fosters IA.
• Key Words: Cyber Security, Sub-Saharan Africa, Technology, Cyber Terrorism, Cyber Crime

4. Africa Command (AFRICOM)
America Military Commands

5. Chinese
entrepreneurs in
Africa, land of a
billion customers
New horizons?
Mugabe has said:
'We must turn
from the West
and face the East'
How China's
taking over
Africa, and why
the West should
be VERY worried
Angola is China’s
largest oil
exporter!
Chinese Influence in Africa

6. Abuja Technology Village The cinema of Nigeria grew quickly in the
1990s and 2000s to become the second
largest film industry in the world in terms of
number of annual film productions, placing it
ahead of the United States and behind
the Indian film industry.According to Hala
Gorani Jeff Koinange formerly of CNN,
Nigeria has a US$250 million movie industry,
churning out some 200 videos for the home
video market every month
Increase of Mobile
Technology All Over The
Country

8. Modernization of Sub-Saharan Africa

9. African Union Positioned to Play a Key Role in Africa
The African Union, which was formed to succeed the Organization of African
Unity on July 9, 2002 and is loosely based on the European Union, aims to
promote cooperation and integration among the independent nations of
Africa. It consists of 53 African nations and its headquarters are in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia.

10. References
• OECD. (2010). Organisation for economic co-operation and
development. Retrieved from http://www.oecd.org/
• OECD/United Nations (2011), Economic Diversification in
Africa: A Review of Selected Countries, OECD Publishing.