In 2025, cybersecurity stands out as a strategic pillar of digital development in Africa. As digital transformation accelerates across the continent, cyber threats are evolving at unprecedented speed. The GITEX Africa 2025 event, held in Marrakech, showcased the latest trends, innovations, and pressing issues in digital security.
The Current State of Cybersecurity in Africa
- 131.5 million web attacks were recorded across the continent in 2024.
- A 14% increase in spyware attacks was observed in just one year.
- Morocco is among the most targeted countries, with 12.6 million attempted web attacks.
- A 26% rise in password-stealing malware detections, according to Kaspersky.
These figures highlight the critical need for solutions tailored to the African context: resilient infrastructure, digital sovereignty, data protection, and cybersecurity education.
Key Threats in 2025
- Ransomware
SMEs, public institutions, and hospitals are especially vulnerable. These attacks lock systems until a ransom is paid. - Targeted Phishing
Phishing campaigns are becoming more sophisticated, leveraging local channels (SMS, WhatsApp, fake emails) and credible identities. - IoT Intrusions
The development of smart cities and connected industrial systems increases exposure to attacks targeting sensors, cameras, and medical devices.
A project, a question, or a specific need?
With the rise in cyber threats, anticipating risks is no longer optional—it's a necessity.
Trends and Innovations at GITEX Africa 2025
- AI-Augmented Cybersecurity
Startups like Moroccan-based Defendis showcased AI and machine learning solutions that automatically detect abnormal behaviors and block threats in real time. - Digital Sovereignty & Sovereign Cloud
Several actors emphasized the need for African states to regain control over their data through secure local data centers, digital identity management, and sovereign hosting. - Critical Infrastructure Protection
New solutions were unveiled to secure hospitals, banks, ports, power plants, and airports—frequent targets of cyberattacks. - Large-Scale Training and Awareness
Numerous panels focused on cyber education: training public officials, decision-makers, youth, and small businesses to adopt best practices. - Post-Quantum Cryptography
Still emerging, this technology was presented as a future barrier against tomorrow’s threats, particularly in telecommunications and finance.
Career Focus: Talent at the Heart of African Cybersecurity
While cybersecurity is a matter of technology, it is above all a human issue. At GITEX Africa 2025, one message rang clear: Africa cannot build its digital sovereignty without massive investment in human resources.
Growing Demand, Limited Supply
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is exploding: governments, banks, hospitals, tech firms, and startups are all desperately seeking to hire. But the supply remains far too limited.
This shortage is also a matter of social recognition: cybersecurity jobs are often invisible, undervalued, and mistaken for general IT roles. Yet they are the digital sentinels ensuring business continuity.
Multiple, Strategic, and Complementary Roles
Cybersecurity is not monolithic. It encompasses a wide range of roles:
- Real-time defense: detecting and responding to attacks
- Pentesting / Auditing: identifying and correcting vulnerabilities
- Compliance and security policy
- Identity and access management
- Internal awareness campaigns
All these profiles are interdependent and require cohesive, coordinated, and agile teams.
Focus: Morocco as a Cyber Hub for Africa
Thanks to events like GITEX Africa, Morocco is strengthening its position as a regional digital leader. The government is focusing on:
- A reinforced regulatory framework (CNDP, cybersecurity law)
- Establishment of innovation centers
- Attracting global tech giants
- Promoting cybersecurity in education
Conclusion
In Africa, cybersecurity in 2025 is more than a necessity: it is a lever for sovereignty, economic development, and digital trust.
GITEX Africa 2025 sent a clear message: Africa is ready to claim its place in the global cyberspace—provided it invests in digital resilience, local innovation, and training.
