West Africa must build its own cyber talent to protect digital sovereignty — Sam George
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has urged West African developers and cybersecurity professionals to take ownership of the region's digital security.
He cautioned that countries that fail to protect their digital infrastructure may become dependent on foreign expertise.
The Minister made the call while speaking at the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Regional Hackathon 2026 in Accra on Tuesday, June 9.
The 48-hour competition, organised by the ECOWAS Commission in partnership with the Cyber Security Authority, has brought together developers and cybersecurity professionals from across the sub-region to develop solutions to emerging digital threats.
Addressing participants at the event, Sam George said the rapid digital transformation taking place across West Africa is increasingly being threatened by cybercrime and other online security risks.
According to him, findings from the Interpol Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2025 indicate that ransomware attacks, business email compromise schemes and organised cyber fraud are becoming more sophisticated and widespread.
"These are not distant, abstract threats. They are happening in our cities, within our financial systems and institutions right now. The perpetrators are technically capable, well-resourced, and increasingly sophisticated," he said.
The Minister noted that while Ghana has made progress through the work of the Cyber Security Authority and other security agencies, the region continues to face a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals.
He cited estimates showing a global shortage of more than four million cybersecurity experts, with Africa facing one of the widest skills gaps.
Sam George, however, described the challenge as an opportunity for young Africans to position themselves for careers in a rapidly growing industry.
"This is not a sign of weakness, but of opportunity. The world urgently needs your skills. Our challenge is to build and channel sufficient talent quickly to address real-world problems," he stated.
The ECOWAS Regional Hackathon 2026 is expected to foster collaboration among young innovators and also promote regional efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and digital resilience across West Africa.