Ghana: CSA assumes leadership of African Cybersecurity Network

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has been entrusted to head the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA). This decision was made within the framework of Smart Africa’s initiative to strengthen and streamline cybersecurity coordination across the African continent.

ANCA serves as a unifying platform for diverse African cybersecurity authorities and agencies across different regions, fostering collaboration and creating a forum for member exchanges. The primary objective is to enhance Africa’s representation in global cybersecurity discussions by amplifying its collective voice.

Currently, it consists of 17 members representing countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Congo Republic, Djibouti, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and Tunisia.

During the inaugural Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) held in Accra, Ghana assumed the role of Chair for ANCA, while Morocco was officially designated as Vice Chair.

The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Smart Africa Secretariat will form the ANCA Bureau, responsible for governance, the action plan and advocating for members’ interests. Ghana’s election as leader underscores its increasing role in cybersecurity leadership on the continent.

Director-General-Cyber Security Authority and newly-appointed Chair of the Network, Albert Antwi-Boasiako, outlined Ghana’s vision for the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA).

The vision underscores Ghana’s dedicated commitment to taking a leadership role in cybersecurity matters throughout the African continent.

As inaugural Chair of the Network, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako highlighted key priorities. These include establishing an effective governance structure for the network; increasing the membership beyond the current 17 countries; creating a platform for operational exchanges and practical cooperation among members; and exploring funding models and partnerships to support cybersecurity development in member-countries and across the continent.

The priorities include actively contributing to Smart Africa’s flagship initiatives as the continental advisory body on cybersecurity matters. Furthermore, Ghana aims to represent Africa’s perspective on cybersecurity in global discussions, aligning with other specified objectives.