By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Senegal has intensified
efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity of its critical infrastructure as the
country works towards building a more resilient and secure digital ecosystem.
The Minister of
Telecommunications and Digital Affairs this month chaired a consultation
meeting focused on securing information systems supporting critical
infrastructure, bringing together representatives from public and private
organisations responsible for essential services.
The engagement formed part
of ongoing preparations for the implementation of a draft law on the protection
of critical infrastructure, which is currently advancing through the
legislative process.
Discussions centred on the
growing risks posed by cyber threats, the need to enhance information system
security measures and the importance of establishing stronger coordination
mechanisms among stakeholders responsible for protecting national infrastructure.
The ministry said the
objective is to prepare stakeholders for the future legal framework while
strengthening capabilities for preventing, detecting and responding to
cyberattacks that could disrupt essential services and affect citizens.
Addressing participants, the
Minister reaffirmed that cybersecurity remains a key pillar of Senegal’s
digital sovereignty and an important component of the country’s New Deal
Technologique agenda.
He called for increased
collaboration among government institutions, private sector operators and other
stakeholders to develop a resilient digital environment capable of protecting
strategic infrastructure and ensuring continuity of critical services.
Senegal’s cybersecurity push
comes as governments across Africa accelerate efforts to safeguard digital
infrastructure amid rising cyber risks and increased reliance on
technology-driven public and private services.
