At the first Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference in Sochi, Russia, on November 10, 2024, foreign ministers from Russia and several African states underscored the urgent need to create a fair and equitable system for securing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The conference, which also included representatives from China, focused on fostering international collaboration to address cybersecurity challenges and prevent conflicts in the digital domain.
In a joint communique, the ministers stressed the importance of developing a robust legal framework to enhance security in ICT use at bilateral, regional, and global levels. The growing concern over digital security has been propelled by the increasing use of ICTs in statecraft, commerce, and communication, which has simultaneously heightened the risks of cyber threats.
One key point of the declaration was the ministers’ call for an internationally binding framework under the auspices of the United Nations to safeguard the security and integrity of ICT systems. They affirmed the need for states to observe international law and support the creation of a universal legal agreement to govern the security of ICT use. This initiative includes endorsement for the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) mechanism, established in 2021, which aims to provide a permanent platform for global negotiations on ICT security.
The ministers also welcomed recent developments in cybercrime prevention, including the historic United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, which strengthens international cooperation on combating crimes conducted through ICT systems. A particular focus was placed on expanding the scope of this convention to criminalize additional acts of cybercrime. They also voiced their support for a new protocol to be developed that will tackle emerging threats in the digital space, further solidifying the international legal framework surrounding cybersecurity.
A significant part of the discussions at the conference centered on Africa’s role in the global digital ecosystem. The ministers expressed their commitment to Africa’s digital transformation through initiatives like the Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and the African Digital Compact. They called for greater investment in AI and digital technologies to drive the continent’s development while ensuring that such technologies are used safely and responsibly. The hosting of the African Conference on AI in 2025 was also endorsed as a step towards positioning Africa as a key player in the global digital economy.
As part of the ongoing effort to combat digital threats, a cybersecurity company, International Analytics Group at Positive Technologies, presented a report on the increasing cyber risks facing the African continent. The report, which analyzed data from 2023-2024, highlighted a significant rise in cyberattacks targeting government and financial sectors. This surge has been attributed to organized hacker groups, motivated by financial gain and espionage, as well as an uptick in hacktivist activity.
The report further revealed alarming trends, including the fact that over half of the databases related to African countries are available for free on the dark web. Access to corporate networks was also found to be up for sale, with the average price set at $2,970. Government institutions and financial companies were identified as the primary targets, accounting for 29% and 22% of all successful cyberattacks in the region. This underscores the growing vulnerability of Africa’s digital infrastructure, with cybercriminals increasingly turning their attention to these sectors for exploitation.
The ministers emphasized that addressing these challenges requires coordinated international efforts to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities. They reaffirmed their commitment to building the capacity of developing countries to counter evolving digital threats, including providing technical assistance and training to local personnel.
With the digital world rapidly becoming a new frontier for security challenges, the Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference has laid the groundwork for collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing global cyber defense mechanisms. As Africa continues its digital transformation, the call for a fair and inclusive system of cybersecurity will play a crucial role in safeguarding the continent’s digital future.
