Transition Toward Unified Security Platforms Accelerates in Africa
Organizations across Africa are rapidly moving away from fragmented surveillance systems in favor of unified security platforms, according to new data released by global physical security software provider Genetec. Their 2026 State of Physical Security report, which gathered insights from over 7,300 security professionals worldwide, including more than 180 respondents from Africa, reveals a significant trend towards consolidating video surveillance, access control, analytics, and cybersecurity into a cohesive operational framework. Currently, more than 70% of organizations globally are utilizing integrated or unified security systems.
Rising Demand for Integrated Security Systems
This shift is particularly evident in key African markets, especially South Africa, where connected security technologies are increasingly embedded in sectors such as retail, mining, financial services, and transportation. The growing demand for cohesive security infrastructures underscores a broader trend toward enhanced safety and operational efficiency in the region.
Convergence of IT and Security Functions
A noteworthy finding specific to Africa is the level of access IT departments have to physical security data. Approximately 73% of end users on the continent report that their IT teams currently receive this crucial information, far surpassing the global average of 52%. This disparity indicates a swift convergence of IT and security capabilities across Africa, driven by the implementation of IP-connected devices like network cameras and smart access control systems, which necessitate comprehensive cyber management.
Transforming Security Operations
Quintin Roberts, regional sales manager at Genetec, highlights that organizations in South Africa are reevaluating their security systems within the broader context of the digital landscape. The integration of these platforms not only facilitates proactive monitoring but also enables security operations to provide real-time insights, enhanced control, and closer alignment with IT objectives.
Integration Needs Influencing Upgrades
Moreover, the necessity for integration is reshaping how organizations consider technology upgrades. Around 60% of global respondents identified the need to incorporate new technology as the primary motivation for replacing existing systems, rather than simply waiting for them to reach the end of their lifecycle.
Surge in Demand for AI Analytics
There has been a remarkable increase in interest for AI-powered analytics across the region, with demand more than doubling year-over-year. As organizations adopt automated solutions, they aim to minimize incident response times, broaden monitoring capabilities, and derive actionable insights from security data that extend beyond traditional safety applications. This shift is indicative of a wider transformation in how physical security is perceived—from a mere cost center to a vital source of business intelligence influencing decisions around staffing, logistics, and enterprise risk management.
Challenges Impeding Progress
Despite this positive momentum, significant challenges remain. The report indicates that 38% of African respondents cite the need for training and upskilling as a critical obstacle—a figure that is nearly double the EMEA average of 21%. Growing skills gaps in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and data analytics are likely to hinder large-scale deployments. Additionally, supply chain constraints pose further challenges, affecting hardware availability and lengthening implementation timelines for organizations aiming to upgrade their legacy systems.
This pattern of demand outpacing local expertise and resources aligns with broader trends in technology adoption across the continent. Addressing these gaps will require collaborative efforts among vendors, system integrators, and policymakers to ensure that Africa can leverage its security infrastructure effectively.
