African Lawmakers Call for Unified Cybersecurity Strategy as Digital Risks Escalate

Ugandan legislator Hon. Naome Kabasharira, representing the NRM party from Rushenyi, warned that Africa’s rapid digital expansion is outpacing its cybersecurity capabilities. Speaking to delegates, she argued that treating cybersecurity as a national security priority is essential for the continent’s future.

Kabasharira highlighted the paradox of Africa’s booming mobile money sector and the rise of artificial intelligence, both of which have created fresh attack surfaces for state‑sponsored groups and organized crime. She noted that these actors are increasingly exploiting gaps in protection to launch sophisticated cyber‑operations.

During her presentation titled ‘Cybersecurity Threats, Digital Misinformation, and the Role of African Parliaments in Protecting the Digital Future,’ she pointed out that the current level of cybersecurity preparedness across African states remains uneven. ‘I urge African governments to strengthen regional and international cooperation because cybercriminals operate without regard for national borders; we need timely information-sharing and coordinated law‑enforcement action amongst ourselves to build a collective defense against digital threats,’ she said.

She called for a comprehensive overhaul of legislation to confront emerging challenges such as AI‑enabled cybercrime, ransomware attacks and identity theft. In addition, Kabasharira urged parliaments to allocate resources for Computer Emergency Response Teams, digital forensic laboratories and programs that develop a skilled cybersecurity workforce, while also tightening data protection frameworks that empower citizens with rights over their personal information and hold organisations accountable for breaches.

Addressing the surge of AI‑generated content and deepfakes, she warned that these technologies are eroding public confidence in government institutions, the media and democratic processes. ‘The result can be a broader erosion of trust in public institutions, the media, and democratic processes,’ Kabasharira emphasized, adding that an effective response must combine proportionate regulation with sustained digital literacy and public awareness campaigns.

Concluding her remarks, Kabasharira reminded fellow parliamentarians that Africa’s economic prosperity is closely linked to the security of its digital ecosystems. She urged them to position themselves as central actors in building cyber resilience, ensuring that technology continues to drive inclusion, innovation and democratic progress rather than becoming a tool of exploitation.

Africa has seen a dramatic rise in mobile money transactions, with billions of dollars moving through platforms like M-Pesa, and the rollout of 5G networks is accelerating digital inclusion. However, alongside this growth, the region faces increasing cyber threats, as indicated by recent reports from the International Telecommunication Union and local cybersecurity firms, which note a surge in ransomware incidents and state-sponsored hacking attempts targeting critical infrastructure and financial services.

Several African nations have begun developing national cybersecurity strategies, and the African Union has launched the Cyber Security Strategy for the Continent, aiming to harmonise legal frameworks and promote information sharing. Yet, implementation gaps persist, underscoring the urgency of parliamentary involvement.

Moreover, the proliferation of personal data online has heightened concerns over privacy, prompting calls for robust data protection legislation that aligns with global standards. Kabasharira’s appeal for stronger frameworks that grant citizens control over their information reflects a growing recognition that data sovereignty is as crucial as network security in safeguarding democratic values.

Her appeal comes at a time when the continent is poised to leverage digital technologies for economic transformation, but the rising tide of cyber threats could undermine those gains if left unchecked. By mobilising legislative action, investing in technical capacities, and fostering a culture of cyber hygiene, African parliaments can play a decisive role in turning the digital revolution into a force for inclusive growth and resilient governance.