More Africans are connecting to “always-on” broadband. Newer Internet users tend to lack awareness of cyber security measures. Moreover, a lack of local cyber security experts (and lack of funds) leaves many institutions open to degradation of services. Finance, government, and telecommunications sectors face denial-of-service attacks that could greatly disrupt online economic and public services.

A recent research project to address the growing threat of cyber crime in South Africa also highlights online security policy framework in other African nations. The report, conducted by the Wolfpack Information Risk company and sponsored by the British High Commission Pretoria, hopes to “rally the troops” to ensure online security. The report is also meant to support the South African Cabinet’s National Cyber Security Policy Framework, approved in March 2012.

African Summary:

• Draft African Convention on Cybersecurity seeks to harmonize cyber legislation on e-commerce organization, personal information protection, and cybercrime control
• Mauritius has the most advanced cyber security policy
• South Africa, Tunisia, and Kenya are actively working on advanced laws

Cyber Security Models and Initiatives in Selected African Countries

Botswana:

• Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes Bill 2007
• Financial Intelligence 2008
• e-Legislation Committee formed in 2010
• Chapter 08:06 cybercrime and computer related crimes act

Ghana:

• Electronic Transaction Act (2008)
• Criminal Code Act 29/60 Section 131 for Cybrcrime Prosecution
• MoC is drafting a national Cyber Security Strategy
• e-Crime Project

Kenya:

• Kenya Information and Communication Act
• Kenya Communications Regulations, 2001 (Broadcasting, 2009)
• No national cyber security policy in place yet

Morocco:

• Morocco Numeric 2013 contains a variety of acts addressing information and cyber security

Mozambique:

• National Cybersecurity Management System is in the process of being implemented
• Electronic Transactions Act

Namibia:

• Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2003
• Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill

Nigeria:

• Harmonized Cybersecurity Bill 2011 (ready for National Assembly)
• Nigerian Cyber-Crime Working Group Initiative

Sudan:

• Cyber Crime Law of 2007
• Electronic transactions law (2007)
• Informatics Crimes Law 2007
• CERT Sudan

Tunisia:

• National Plan and Strategy in IT (2003)
• Law on protection of Privacy and Personal Information (2004)
• Law on Electronic signature and e-commerce (2000)
• Law Against Cyber-Crimes
• Law related to IT Security (2004)

Zimbabwe:

• No law on cyber crime