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Parliamentarians and stakeholders who participated in the recent African Internet Governance Forum in Abuja have raised serious concerns regarding the issue of cybercrime in Africa.
In a communiqué issued on Thursday, it was revealed that cybercrime poses a significant threat to the successful implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063.
The stakeholders have called for substantial investments and collaborative efforts among African nations to combat cybercrime effectively.
The communiqué stated, “Cybercrime remains a potent threat to the realization of the AU 2063 agenda and the AU’s digital transformation strategy. The African Union and African governments must ensure adequate funding to combat cybercrime activities, promote international cooperation, and provide capacity building for legislators, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and other essential entities.”
The AU Agenda 2063 serves as a blueprint for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future, focusing on inclusive and sustainable development.
The communiqué further emphasized that “African countries should enforce cyber laws, adopt a people-centric approach, and implement checks and balances.”
In his address, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, highlighted the importance of focusing on shared norms, rules, and decision-making processes that influence the development and utilization of the internet in Africa. He stressed that the forum provides a unique platform for the exchange of ideas and collaboration, contributing to the realization of the desired internet landscape and empowering all Africans.
Samuel George, a member of the Ghanaian parliament and the Secretary-General of the African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance, emphasized the need for national governments to view access to power as a crucial element in bridging the digital divide in underserved and unserved areas.
Shuiab Salisu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, pledged legislative support from the National Assembly to ensure Nigeria harnesses the potential of emerging technologies by enacting enabling laws.
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