Just Unsecure, a leading nonprofit organisation focused on cybersecurity in Africa, and Suwebatu AB have launched an initiative tagged “AfriHackBox” at the Cybersecurity Summit Africa held in Lagos recently.
According to the firms, AfriHackBox aims to transform the cybersecurity landscape across the continent by equipping professionals and aspiring experts with the skills needed to tackle evolving digital threats.
In a statement made available to The PUNCH on Monday, the firms noted that the launch of AfriHackBox marked a significant step toward building a robust cybersecurity community in Africa.
“As an ethical hacking and training platform, AfriHackBox offers hands-on learning opportunities, real-world challenges, and a variety of tools and resources designed to address the specific security needs of African infrastructure.
“Through the platform, participants will be able to engage in real-life simulated cybersecurity scenarios in a Capture the Flag challenge and receive training tailored to the latest industry trends,” they stated.
In his address at the summit, a co-founder at JustUnsecure, Babatunde Anifowoshe, said, “We are excited to unveil AfriHackBox in collaboration with Suwebatu AB, which aligns with our shared vision of fostering cybersecurity talent across the continent.
“Our mission is to train over 500,000 individuals annually and raise $25m to sustain and expand our initiatives, creating a safer digital environment in Africa.”
In his speech, the Chief Executive Officer of Swebatu AB, Paul John, underscored the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in the fight against cyber threats.
He said, “Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it’s a societal challenge that requires collaboration across sectors. The public-private partnership model is essential for ensuring the sustainability and growth of initiatives like AfriHackBox.”
The Senior Special Adviser to the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Mr Arnold Agure-Dam, noted that the programme was a much-needed conversation, given the unprecedented spate of Africa’s digital transformation, in his speech, titled: ‘Building a Resilient Cybersecurity Ecosystem: Africa’s Path to Digital Sovereignty’.
According to Agure-Dam, building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem is critical for Africa because its emergence as a hub for innovations, economic growth and technological advancement is increasingly exposing it to cyber threats that have the potential to derail its progress if not effectively managed.
“Over the last decade, Africa has witnessed rapid digitalisation. The growth in mobile connectivity, the adoption of digital payment systems, the rise of e-commerce platforms and the increasing implementation of smart technologies across various sectors have fundamentally transformed the way we live and work.
“However with this advancement comes an alarming increase in cyber threats. Cyberattacks on businesses, government institutions and critical infrastructure are rising exponentially. The continent has seen a surge in attacks, data breaches and fraud targeting both individuals and organisations,” he noted.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankola, spoke on the role of Information Technology in wealth creation and empowerment.
He said, “The event aligns greatly with the state government’s wealth creation and IT development strategic plan.’’
He further called for more collaborations to build on recorded achievements and digitally fortify the country and indeed the continent at large against the continued cyber threats.
The summit attracted industry leaders, government officials, and cybersecurity enthusiasts, highlighting the growing need for comprehensive and collaborative approaches to digital security in the region.