AI security risk in Africa: The interplay of digital infrastructure and economic participation

The lack of secure digital infrastructure in Africa directly impacts the ability of countries to engage in the global digital economy. Systemic Artificial Intelligence (AI) security risks arise from uneven technological preparedness and limited government capacity to address network security. This brief examines Africa’s cybersecurity challenges, emphasising AI’s dual role in defence and offence. African countries are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, government services, and elections. A coordinated global approach to AI security governance is recommended, focusing on strengthening African technical capacity, developing suitable regulatory frameworks, and protecting human rights. Without these interventions, cyber infrastructure security directly constrains a country’s potential to benefit from and contribute to international digital trade and investment