2 trillion CFA francs (US$4 billion) – that is the cost of cybercrime in Africa according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) . This is a significant amount that clearly illustrates the threat facing an increasingly connected Africa, which is lagging behind in the field of IT security. This observation was widely shared by participants at the recent Cyber Africa Forum, held in Abidjan on April 15 and 16.
While the issue of connectivity on the African continent and the profound inequalities in Internet access are often mentioned, there has nevertheless been significant digital development across the continent. But in Africa, as elsewhere, digital development is also increasingly exposing countries to the threats of cybercrime. Côte d'Ivoire is regularly cited as a country that is frequently plagued by cybercrime. On the trail of the "Brouteurs," Côte d'Ivoire has become the epicenter of French-speaking online scams.
Thus, even though connectivity remains a powerful catalyst for economic and social growth, it connects African regions to cyberspace and its cybersecurity challenges. We are also seeing increasing use of artificial intelligence in cyberattacks. To address this issue, the fourth edition of the Cyber Africa Forum brought together more than 1,500 participants from the digital, finance, entrepreneurship, public sector, and many other sectors for more than 25 panels, keynotes, initiatives, and unique demonstrations that highlighted the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence and the cyber risks associated with this new paradigm.
The event featured a speech by Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, who highlighted the opportunities and challenges of cybernetics and artificial intelligence in Africa. In an effort to mobilize all stakeholders and experts around securing the continent's digital transformation, the Forum's Commissioner General also highlighted the proactive actions taken by the Ivorian government and the Cyber Africa Forum to stimulate this rapidly expanding sector by encouraging international cooperation efforts.
During his speech, he emphasized the urgency of strengthening the digital security capabilities of African states in light of the continent's increasing digitalization. These states must commit to developing the digital economy and accelerating digital transformation.