90 percent of African businesses affected by cyberattacks in the past year

Mthabisi Tshuma in HARARE

90 PERCENT of African businesses have in the past year experienced cyber attacks, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti has revealed.

He made the remarks at the inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference and Expo held on Wednesday under the theme, “Securing Zimbabwe’s Digital Future: From Policy to Practice,”

In his remarks, Deputy Minister Phuti said as the world becomes increasingly digital, the cost and complexity of cyber threats are escalating at an alarming rate.

“In Africa, more than 90% of businesses have experienced at least one form of cyber-attack in the past year, with phishing and ransomware being the most common. The African Union Commission estimates that the continent loses over US$4 billion per year to cybercrime resources that could otherwise be channelled toward education, health, and innovation.

“Globally, cybercrime is projected to cost the world over USD 10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from USD 3 trillion in 2015 (Cybersecurity Ventures). These figures are not meant to alarm us, but to remind us that digital trust is the new currency of development and without it, innovation cannot thrive,” said Deputy Minister Phuti.

He said over the past few years, Zimbabwe has taken significant steps toward building a robust national cybersecurity architecture.

“We now have the Cyber and Data Protection Act, which lays a solid legal foundation for protecting personal data and prosecuting cyber offences. Yet, as we all know, policy alone is not enough. The true measure of success lies in effective implementation, where institutions, skills, technologies, and partnerships converge to translate frameworks into practical resilience.

“This conference provides us with a rare and timely opportunity to connect ideas with action. It brings together thought leaders, practitioners, regulators, innovators, and researchers to chart a common path for a secure and trusted digital economy,” said Deputy Minister Phuti.