Implications of Increased Foreign Surveillance Technologies on National Security in Africa

Executive Summary

The adoption of foreign surveillance tools in Africa threatens the continent’s security and sovereignty. The instruments have thrived globally through collaborations between intelligence agencies and private companies seeking to address global security matters such as counter-terrorism. While this is applauded in Africa, the use of these technologies has enhanced the conduct of clandestine activities in the continent without due regard to issues, such as data privacy. This has resulted in the race for data collection as the quest to gain advantage in favor of foreign national interests heightens. Subsequently, insufficient cyber security policies have rendered African countries vulnerable to this fast-evolving threat. There is a need for enhanced technological partnerships between states and relevant stakeholders in protecting the continent’s cyberspace.