Unlocking Africa’s Digital Future: Insights into the Malabo Convention

By Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian

Wolfpack Information Risk and CyberArk recently hosted an exclusive webinar focusing on the African Union’s Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, commonly known as the Malabo Convention. This pivotal event took place on August 22, 2024, and provided essential insights into the impact of this landmark treaty on businesses operating across Africa.

Enforced in June 2023, the Malabo Convention has become the first and only binding regional treaty on data protection outside of Europe. Often compared to the EU’s GDPR, this convention establishes stringent standards for cybersecurity and personal data protection, underscoring the importance of compliance to safeguard sensitive information.

Titled “African Cyber Security and Privacy Compliance,” the webinar featured in-depth discussions led by experts Craig Rosewarne and Craig Harwood from CyberArk. They explored several critical aspects of compliance under the Malabo Convention, including:

  • Monitoring Systems: An overview of the requirements for monitoring systems to promptly detect and respond to potential cyber threats.
  • Data Protection Measures: Guidance on the steps necessary to safeguard personal data in line with the convention’s rigorous standards.
  • Employee Training: The importance of educating employees on cybersecurity best practices and the specific requirements set out by the Malabo Convention.
  • Incident Response Program: Insights into developing a robust incident response plan to minimize the impact of data breaches or cyber incidents.

The enforcement of the Malabo Convention represents a significant shift in Africa’s data protection and cybersecurity landscape. It mandates that businesses implement comprehensive measures to protect personal data and enhance their resilience against cyber threats. This webinar provided a unique opportunity for organizations to understand their obligations under the convention and adopt best practices for achieving compliance.

Whether you are a business leader, IT professional, legal expert, or involved with third-party suppliers in Africa, this webinar is crucial for staying updated on the latest developments in African cybersecurity regulations.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to equip your organization with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of the Malabo Convention. Watch the OnDemand webinar today.

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