The African Union (AU) has officially launched a Continental Cybersecurity Coordination Centre aimed at strengthening the region’s resilience against escalating digital threats. The centre, based in Addis Ababa, will support member states in detecting, preventing and responding to cyberattacks targeting governments, businesses and critical infrastructure.
Officials say the initiative comes at a time when cybercrime is costing African economies billions annually. Banks, national identity systems, energy grids and telecom networks have faced increasing attacks, prompting urgent calls for coordinated defense mechanisms.
The new centre will facilitate real-time intelligence sharing, capacity building for national cybersecurity agencies and development of unified protocols to track cross-border digital crimes. Member states will also receive support in strengthening data protection laws and cyber-risk frameworks.
Technology experts view the centre as a milestone in Africa’s digital transformation journey. With the continent expanding its fintech, e-governance and digital trade platforms, cybersecurity has become a strategic priority for long-term stability.
AU officials say the centre will partner with global institutions, including the EU and UN agencies, to enhance threat monitoring capabilities and ensure Africa remains protected as digital adoption accelerates.