Technology experts, policy makers and affiliated partners have called for unity among Africa’s regulators to effectively tackle cross-border Cyber threats.
The call was made during a Regional ICT Regulators’ Forum in the capital Nairobi on Monday.
“A damaged submarine cable off one coast can slow commerce across a dozen countries, and a fraud scheme devised in one market can reach consumers in all of ours within hours,” noted David Mugonyi Director Generalof a Communications Authority of Kenya.
During the forum the continent’s ICT regulators were deliberating on emerging technologies, cyber security threats, digital fraud and disruptions to critical communications infrastructure.
Regulators working in isolation cannot effectively address the above threats.
“No single regulator, however capable, can address these challenges alone,” Mugonyi said.
He said regulators across the continent needed to become more agile, evidence-driven and collaborative as artificial intelligence, digital platforms and next-generation networks reshape economies and public services.
Regulation shouldn’t be limited to developing rules and enforcing compliance, but must also support innovation, protect consumers, promote fair competition and expand access to digital services.
The Regional ICT Regulators’ Forum of the eighth cohort of the ICT Policy and Regulation – Institutional Strengthening Programme (iPRIS) was attended by national regulatory authorities in Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Liberia.
The forum also attracted regional regulatory organisations including the East African Communications Organisation (EACO), Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) and West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Association (WATRA).
