Africa’s Road Map to Identity Maturity and Security Using Privileged Access Controls

In an evolving integrated world, robust and resilient cybersecurity is a nonnegotiable prerequisite for growth in any economy. In the last few years, Africa has seen increasing IT investments to boost digitalization. In July 2023, IDC’s Worldwide Black Book Live Edition reported that total IT spending on the continent is projected to reach $36.2 billion in 2023, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% over the 2021–2026 period. But effective cybersecurity remains a challenge across Africa. Many organizations are still unprepared for potential cyberattacks, and only a handful of countries have cybersecurity regulations in place to protect consumers and businesses.

This paper examines the need for identity-focused security in Africa. It highlights the digital adoption trends that lead to vulnerable business postures and delves into methods to enhance security strategies using privileged controls. The paper’s aim is to help establish a sound privileged access security strategy road map for Africa.