CyberSafe Foundation, with funding support from Google.org will launch Resilio Africa, a 3-year cybersecurity resilience project that aims at reducing the growing risks of cyberattack in institutions and communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.

CyberSafe

The project will strengthen the cyber resilience of 200 Critical Community Institutions (CCIs) in the region through provision of free technical tools, assessments, threat intelligence and incident response frameworks. With this intervention, Resilio Africa aims to protect over 2 million people and secure more than 15 million public records in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, marking one of the most ambitious community-building efforts in Africa’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

“At Google.org, we believe that access to secure digital systems is a cornerstone of inclusive growth,” said Haviva Kohl, Senior Program Manager, Google.org. “Our support for CyberSafe Foundation’s CCI cybersecurity efforts reflect our shared commitment to empowering communities and protecting the institutions that serve them. Resilio Africa will help ensure that essential community organizations can operate safely and confidently in an increasingly digital world.”

Identifying the challenges across sub-Saharan Africa, a brief by CyberSafe Foundation noted that critical community infrastructure in the region is increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, with inadequate resources available to tackle them. “These institutions collect, process, and store vast amounts of sensitive personal

data, yet most lack the corresponding cybersecurity maturity. Many operate on outdated systems, with limited cybersecurity capacity, low awareness of digital threats, and zero security budgets. According to INTERPOL, Africa experienced a 23% increase in ransomware attacks in 2023, with public and nonprofit institutions among the most impacted.”

Further citing data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s Global Cybersecurity Index, the statement said that more than 60% of African countries fall into the “low commitment” category regarding national cybersecurity readiness. This contributes to limited institutional cybersecurity capacity, low awareness of digital threats, and little to no dedicated security budgets.

“As services become more digitized, this creates a dangerous gap that cybercriminals are actively exploiting through ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and DDoS disruptions, compromising public services, exposing sensitive data, and eroding public trust,” it said.

“In Kenya alone, over 114 CCI-targeted cyberattacks were recorded in the first eight months of 2024, followed by a 201% increase in cyber incidents by Q1 2025. In Nigeria, key government and healthcare systems still operate over unencrypted communication protocols. Institutions in Ghana and South Africa face similar threats but often lack the capacity to respond effectively. This widespread vulnerability exposes millions of citizens to both digital and physical harm.

Despite emerging national strategies, policy formulations and growing political will in the region, most CCIs are under-resourced and under-protected. Without immediate, scalable, and context-specific interventions, the region risks a surge in cyber incidents that could significantly disrupt essential community services.

Resilio Africa will strengthen cyber resilience of 200 CCIs through technical tools, assessments, customized playbooks and incident response frameworks; provide over 10,000 hours of pro bono cyber consulting to support CCI teams, build human capacity by delivering tiered training for executives, IT teams, and general staff with over 4500 employees and decision-makers trained; protect over two million people; and secure more than 15 million public records in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.

“Africa’s digital transformation cannot succeed if our communities remain vulnerable,” said Confidence Staveley, Founder and Executive Director of CyberSafe Foundation.

“With Google.org’s support, we are scaling a proven model of capacity-building that will help critical institutions become resilient, safeguard the people they serve, and preserve trust in digital public systems.”

Application to the initiative is open and CCIs eligible to participate are to complete an online interest form guided by instructions on the website, www.resilio.cybersafefoundation.org.

Anambra State has reaffirmed its position as a national leader in digital innovation and governance by sweeping four major awards at the 13th Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) held at the Crispan Suite & Event Centre (Gowon Hall), Opposite Air Force Base, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State, from December 8–12, 2025.

Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency.

With the theme “Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Sustainable Growth Through Innovation”, this year’s Council brought together federal and state governments, industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders to evaluate progress and shape Nigeria’s digital future.

A key highlight of the Council meeting was the States Innovation Peer Review Session (PRS), which offered states a platform to present the major strides they have made in digital transformation. The session encouraged cooperation, collaboration, and shared learning, as each state showcased its achievements, success stories, and innovative use of ICT to improve governance and service delivery. At the end of the presentations, Anambra emerged as one of the most outstanding performers at the event, securing:

– Best overall performing State in ICT Development

– Best State in ICT Human Capital Development

– 2nd Runner-Up in Infrastructure Development

– 2nd Runner-Up in eGovernment Implementation

The impressive performance is a testament to the bold vision and strategic direction of Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, whose commitment to building a liveable, prosperous, and digitally empowered Smart Mega City continues to propel the state to national recognition. Through focused investments in broadband expansion, eGovernment services, tech-driven governance reforms, digital skills and lots more, Governor Soludo has positioned Anambra as a model of what is possible when political will guides a skilled team into precise execution.

Receiving the awards on behalf of the Governor, the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), expressed profound gratitude to the Governor for providing the enabling environment, policy guidance, leadership and unwavering support that energize the State’s digital transformation drive in line with his “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” Mantra.

“This recognition is another clear validation of Governor Soludo’s vision and a reflection of the hard work, collaboration, and commitment of the entire Solution Team. Anambra remains intentional about leveraging technology to improve lives, strengthen institutions, and create opportunities. We are grateful for this recognition and motivated to do even more,” CFA said.

This year’s achievement marks the second time Anambra has swept four major national awards at NCCIDE, following a similar outstanding performance in 2023. The consistency underscores the State’s sustained excellence in digital governance, eGovernment implementation, infrastructure development, and human capital growth.

With these recognitions, Anambra continues to demonstrate that purposeful leadership, strategic planning, and a people-centred approach to technology can accelerate development and foster inclusive growth.

MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.

MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.

The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.

Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.