As cyber threats become more sophisticated and persistent, organisations across East Africa are rising to the challenge. The latest Digital Trust Insights (DTI) Survey for the East Africa region, titled “Strengthening Cyber Defences: The Road to Resilience in East Africa” reveals a significant shift in priorities, with 74% of businesses in the region placing cyber risks at the top of their agenda—well above global averages. It’s clear that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it’s a critical business imperative.
East African organisations are navigating a complex landscape, where regulatory compliance, third-party breaches, and social engineering attacks are testing their resilience. In response, 44% of businesses said they were focusing on regulatory alignment, and many are making bold investments to modernise their infrastructure and upskill their teams.
The report also dives into the promise and risks of emerging technologies such as GenAI, which is poised to transform security operations, but introduces new vulnerabilities that leaders must be prepared to manage.
Despite these challenges, East Africa’s leaders are showing strong collaboration and engagement at board level, positioning the region as a strong player in cybersecurity readiness.
Through in-depth survey data and analysis, this report provides valuable insights into the strategies and investments shaping the future of cybersecurity in East Africa.
Vikas Sharma, Consulting & Risk Services Leader for East Africa, said, “In East Africa, progress at the board level is promising, but positioning cybersecurity as a driver of business transformation will be key to managing new risks and enhancing resilience. For effective cybersecurity leadership, organisations must adopt a proactive, innovative stance that integrates security into their broader business strategies.”
Edward Kerich, Partner, Consulting & Risk Services, said, ” The findings from the 2025 East Africa Digital Trust Insights Survey show the proactive steps East African organizations are taking to address cyber risks. By investing in modern infrastructure and upskilling teams, we are not only enhancing our security posture but also fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation that will benefit future generations.”
Jamila Aroi, Partner, Consulting & Risk Services, said, “East African organizations are twice as likely to implement swift threat responses compared to their global counterparts demonstrating a strong commitment to cybersecurity. By focusing on regulatory alignment and emerging technologies, we are setting a benchmark for resilience and innovation in the digital age.”
Also Read: The future of cyber security in Africa: Automating and predicting threats
