Smart Africa Signs Cybersecurity MoU with e-Crime Bureau

In Short

Smart Africa Secretariat has signed a memorandum of understanding, MoU, with Ghana-based cyber security consultancy e-Crime Bureau. The partners say the goal is to build cybersecurity capacity, promote innovation, and better protect Africa’s digital infrastructure.

What Happened

The MoU was signed on 2 November in Accra, on the sidelines of the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum, AfIGF.

Smart Africa and e-Crime Bureau said the agreement sets a framework for collaboration across people, processes, and technology. It focuses on developing cyber security skills, strengthening institutional frameworks, and deploying solutions to protect Africa’s growing digital ecosystem.

Under the MoU, the partners will work to grow Africa’s cyber security workforce. They will also encourage closer cooperation between governments, the private sector, and international partners.

It includes protecting critical information infrastructure, which is the systems that keep essential digital services running, and harmonising legal and policy frameworks across the continent.

The partnership builds on Smart Africa’s wider cyber security agenda, including its Continental Cybersecurity Blueprint, developed in 2023, and the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities, ANCA.

“Africa’s digital transformation can only be as strong as the systems that protect it. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires stronger cooperation, coordinated action and sustained investment in our people and institutions,” said Lacina Koné, director general and CEO of Smart Africa.

Why It Matters

As more services move online, cyber security capacity and coordination becomes a larger operational risk for governments and businesses. Smart Africa and e-Crime Bureau are positioning the MoU as a way to build skills, improve governance, and protect critical digital infrastructure at a continental level.

The announcement also comes as e-Crime Bureau restructures into a global firm with hubs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, under a transition and growth strategy approved by its board in 2026.