UNECA, GNC, Organize High-Level Event to Commemorate October Cybersecurity Month

UNECA, GNC, Organize High-Level Event to Commemorate October Cybersecurity Month

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in collaboration with the Global Network for Cybersolution (GNC), is set to host a Two-Day High-Level Webinar themed “Advancing Cybersecurity and Cyber Diplomacy in Africa.” The event, scheduled for October 29 and 30, 2025, forms part of activities marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month and aims to strengthen Africa’s digital resilience and cooperation in the cyber domain.

According to the organizers, the webinar seeks to translate global digital policy into actionable strategies that address the region’s most pressing cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy challenges. It will also promote regional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and alignment with global standards on digital governance and online safety.

The sessions are slated for October 29, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (WAT) and October 30, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM (WAT), with participants expected to join virtually through a secure Zoom registration link.

In a background statement, the ECA highlighted that cybersecurity has become a critical global concern in the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), with over 5.35 billion people—representing 66% of the world’s population—now connected to the internet. The proliferation of digital devices, exceeding 30 billion globally, has created vast opportunities alongside growing risks that threaten privacy, trust, and security.

The Commission emphasized that ensuring the online safety of citizens is fundamental to human rights, referencing the UN Human Rights Council’s 2012 resolution (A/HRC/20/L.13) on the promotion and protection of human rights on the internet, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).

Africa, however, remains one of the least digitalized regions globally and faces unique challenges related to cyber trust and security. According to INTERPOL’s 2024 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report, the continent loses over $4 billion annually to cybercrime, while 90% of African businesses lack adequate cybersecurity frameworks.

In Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported that over 70% of its 2023 convictions were cybercrime-related, with the nation recording more than 70,000 cyberattacks daily and annual financial losses surpassing $500 million. South Africa and Kenya also reported losses estimated at $600 million and $50 million respectively.

The ECA and GNC note that addressing these issues requires a multi-stakeholder approach—involving governments, private sector actors, civil society, academia, and young innovators—to build a secure and inclusive digital future.

Beyond cybersecurity, the webinar will also spotlight Africa’s growing role in cyber diplomacy. Despite global efforts to develop norms for responsible state behavior in cyberspace, African representation remains limited. Since 2004, only eight African nations have participated in the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on information and communications technology (ICT) security.

The lack of skilled cyber diplomats and limited engagement in international cyber governance platforms have hindered Africa’s ability to effectively advocate for its digital interests.

Through this high-level dialogue, the ECA and GNC aim to strengthen Africa’s participation in global cyber governance, align national strategies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063, and ultimately, promote a safer, more resilient digital ecosystem for the continent.

Interested participants can register for the webinar via this secure Zoom link.