Accra: Mr. Divine Selassie Agbeti, the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), has called on African nations to responsibly embrace emerging technologies to foster sustainable digital transformation across the continent. He emphasized the dual nature of these technologies, highlighting their potential for both opportunities and vulnerabilities, and stressed the importance of ethical usage to maximize their benefits for national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Agbeti's remarks were delivered by Mr. Jake France, Head of Cybersecurity Technology Standards at CSA, during the opening of a three-day international conference on information systems and emerging technologies in Accra. The conference, hosted by the Ghana Communication Technology University in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology, serves as a platform to explore how technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, blockchain, and the Internet of Things can be leveraged for sustainable development. Approximately 150 participants are expected to present academic papers on these technologies, under the theme 'Emerging Technologies and Industrial Revolution for Sustainable Development.'
Mr. Agbeti cautioned that while emerging technologies drive innovation, they also increase exposure to cyber threats, misinformation, and digital inequality. He urged for the adoption of these technologies to be guided by principles of security, accountability, ethics, and inclusivity. Statistics from CSA indicate a surge in online fraud cases from January to March 2025, with financial losses rising to GHC4.4 million. Incidents of online blackmail and sextortion have also increased, with financial damages nearing GHC500,000.
Emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity, Mr. Agbeti stated that it should be seen not as a cost, but as a critical enabler of innovation and socio-economic growth. He also highlighted CSA's initiative to integrate cybersecurity education into Ghana's national curriculum, aiming to equip citizens with the skills needed to protect the nation's digital future.
The Director-General reaffirmed CSA's commitment to working with academic institutions, government agencies, civil society, and international partners to enhance cybersecurity awareness, standards, and capacity building. Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, echoed the need for African countries to transition from consumers to innovators in the global technology space. He announced plans to integrate AI, data analytics, green technology, and digital ethics into tertiary curricula, aiming to create innovation ecosystems that bridge academia and industry.
Professor Ebenezer Malcalm, Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor of GCTU, emphasized the university's commitment to empowering students for success in the industrial revolutions. Professor Jude Odiakaosa Osakwe from Namibia University of Science and Technology expressed the desire to expand the conference to other universities across Africa.
