African governments, the private sector and individuals increasingly rely on the Internet to conduct sensitive transactions and store important data. Most African states are lagging behind in strengthening cybersecurity and fighting cybercrime; cybercriminals have recognised this vulnerability and are targeting the continent.

After a lengthy process, the African Union (AU) responded to the surge in cybercrime by adopting the Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. Stakeholders have raised several concerns about the convention, including that it is too broad in scope.