In this episode of ITWeb TV, Adam Smith, Head of Cyber for Southern Africa at the British High Commission, discusses the necessity for African governments to enhance collaboration in cyber deterrence, improve cybersecurity skills, and the importance of having a Cyber Officer for the region, amidst the increasing prevalence of state-sponsored cyber activities.
African nations must unite to bolster cyber deterrence capabilities, with South Africa poised to spearhead this initiative. Adam Smith, speaking from the British High Commission in Pretoria, emphasized the urgency of this collaboration.
During his interview with ITWeb TV, Smith indicated that while digitization has accelerated across the continent, effective measures to mitigate cyber threats remain insufficient. He noted that current policies have not evolved alongside heightened public awareness.
Smith also pointed out a significant cyber skills gap throughout Southern Africa, which hampers both operational and strategic roles in cybersecurity, affecting everything from network defense to governmental cyber policy advisement.
He urged a shift in the mindset of national governments, which have traditionally confined their focus within geographical boundaries. He stated that the internet transcends these borders, making it essential for nations to adopt a more collaborative approach in addressing cyber threats.
As malicious actors increasingly cooperate internationally, they exploit the vastness of cyberspace and weaker regulations in certain nations. Smith explained that many threat actors operate on a global scale, often taking advantage of countries with relaxed surveillance to establish their operations, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrency laundering.
Rising Geopolitical Tensions
The UK government’s awareness of an increasingly contested and volatile geopolitical landscape has heightened focus on state-sponsored cyber activities. Smith warned of an escalating sophistication in cyber operations prompted by rising international tensions, distinguishing these motivations from opportunistic cybercrime, particularly prevalent in Africa, where ransomware incidents have surged.
While some African countries may not directly engage in international conflicts, the continent is becoming a focal point for geopolitical struggles, laden with substantial foreign influence. Smith cautioned against the rising incidence of state-linked cyber activities across Africa.
Governments typically perceive cyber threats as national security matters, concentrating primarily on domestic issues. Smith contended that a comprehensive international response is crucial, given the inherently global nature of cyber threats.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in international collaboration aimed at establishing protocols for cyber operations. Initiatives like the Cybercrime Convention at the United Nations and the new global mechanisms developed through the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Cyber signify progress in this area.
Smith highlighted the significance of multilateral norm-setting in addressing these challenges, emphasizing the need for varying doctrines and perspectives to converge on universally accepted norms. He stressed that response efforts must not be limited to government entities; collaboration with private sector organizations that control the internet, alongside civil society voices, is crucial for a holistic approach to cybersecurity.
Mr. Smith sees a promising opportunity for South Africa to emerge as a leader in enhancing cybersecurity efforts across the continent. He lauded the country’s vibrant cybersecurity community, which can contribute significantly to developing a cohesive African response to cyber threats.
Emphasizing the importance of cyber deterrence, Smith articulated that this involves a comprehensive approach, from enhancing public awareness and education to implementing robust practices like multi-factor authentication. He highlighted the need for the highest levels of government to prioritize and report cyber incidents as they occur.
Mr. Smith is scheduled to participate in a closed session focusing on regional collaboration at the forthcoming ITWeb Security Summit 2026.
