Africa’s Escalating Security Crisis: Why Public-Private Partnerships Are Urgently Needed

Africa stands at the intersection of two grave security threats: a surge in cyberattacks and a rise in violent extremism. From data breaches affecting millions to armed insurgents overrunning towns, the continent is facing a multidimensional crisis. These trends demand immediate, collaborative action—not just from governments, but also from the private sector, civil society, and international partners. At OSRS, we believe it is time to move beyond government-only responses and embrace a robust, multi-stakeholder approach to national and regional security.

Cybersecurity Incidents: A Rising Digital Storm

546 Million South African Cookies Found on the Dark Web (June 4, 2025): According to cybersecurity firm NordVPN, an alarming cache of 546 million browser cookies linked to South African users was discovered on the dark web. This represents a massive malware campaign, exposing user behavior, login credentials, and sensitive data. The implications for personal privacy and corporate espionage are enormous.

South African Airways (SAA) Cyberattack (May 3, 2025): South Africa’s flagship airline was temporarily grounded by a cyberattack that disrupted its website, mobile app, and internal operations. The activation of its disaster recovery protocols helped limit the damage, but the incident demonstrates how critical infrastructure remains vulnerable.

MTN Group Breach (Early May 2025):Africa’s leading telecommunications company, MTN, reported unauthorized access to customer data in some markets. Although its core systems remained intact, the attack revealed the inherent risks faced by telcos serving millions of subscribers.

Kaspersky Cyber Threat Report (April/May 2025):Kaspersky noted a sharp rise in digital threats to African enterprises. Spyware attacks surged by 14%, while password stealer detections rose by 26%. Kenya, South Africa, and Morocco topped the list of targeted countries, reflecting growing interest from cybercriminals in Africa’s rapidly digitizing economy.

Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index – South Africa (May 28, 2025):Perhaps most worrying, Cisco’s latest index revealed that while 85% of South African companies believe they are ready for cyber threats, only 7% actually qualify as “mature” in resilience. This delusion of preparedness is contributing to widespread data leaks and systemic vulnerabilities.

Terrorism: Persistent and Evolving Threats Across the Continent

Uganda Bomb Plot Thwarted (June 3, 2025): Thanks to swift intelligence efforts, Ugandan forces intercepted two suicide bombers near the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Kampala. The suspects were linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group with ties to the Islamic State.

JNIM Seizes Djibo, Burkina Faso (May 11, 2025): In a chilling show of force, al-Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM) briefly seized control of Djibo, a provincial capital. This underscores the group’s ability to stage coordinated assaults and destabilize local governance.

Al-Shabaab Offensive in Somalia (May 2025): Somalia’s Hirshabelle state witnessed a 25% spike in armed conflict as al-Shabaab attempted to reclaim lost territory. The clashes resulted in over 380 deaths, pointing to the group's sustained operational capability despite international counterterrorism efforts.

Drone Attack in Togo (May 9, 2025): In a first for the region, JNIM militants launched a drone strike against a military post in Togo’s Savanes region, wounding multiple soldiers. The use of drone technology by insurgents marks a dangerous evolution in Africa’s terrorism landscape.

Terrorism Surge in Niger (May 2025): Terrorist-related deaths in Niger surged by 94% in 2024, according to new figures released in May 2025. The border zones with Burkina Faso and Mali are particularly volatile, with JNIM and Islamic State affiliates driving the violence.

Why This Matters: Government Alone Is Not Enough

The combination of digital and physical insecurity is pushing African nations to a critical inflection point. Yet the reality is stark—governments cannot shoulder this burden alone. Many states lack the technical expertise, financial resources, and rapid response capabilities to address these complex threats comprehensively.

At OSRS, we believe the solution lies in sustainable public-private partnerships. Cybersecurity firms, telecom companies, universities, and civil society must work hand-in-hand with government agencies to bolster resilience, share intelligence, and train the next generation of security professionals.

Call to Action: What Can Be Done?

• Invest in Cybersecurity Readiness: Companies must move beyond confidence and invest in real maturity through regular audits, updated software, threat simulations, and staff training.

• Enhance Threat Intelligence Sharing: Governments and the private sector need secure, trusted channels to exchange information on emerging threats.

• Support Counterterrorism Capacity Building: From drone defense systems to intelligence-led policing, African nations must adopt innovative approaches and invest in training.

• Educate the Public: Awareness campaigns can help communities identify radicalization early and adopt safe online behaviors.

• Partner with Experts: Organizations like OSRS are ready to support African institutions through forensic investigations, cybersecurity assessments, and counterterrorism strategy development.

At ÒGÚN Security Research and Strategic Consulting (OSRS), we are committed to helping African governments, corporations, and communities build lasting security solutions.

👉 Visit www.ogunsecurity.com to learn how our cyber and intelligence experts can support your organization.📞 Contact us at: contact@ogunsecurity.com📍 Trusted. Tested. Tactical.