Youths in nine out of ten Eastern Africa countries cite cyber vulnerability among the challenges affecting participation in the digital economy. According to the 2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index, only Ethiopian youths did not include cyber threat as a challenge towards their participation in digital activities.
The index, which is an assessment tool designed to evaluate and rank the level of digital preparedness among the youth in Eastern Africa, ranks Kenya top above Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Sudan, DRC, Somalia, Burundi and South Sudan in terms of youth digital readiness, obtaining a score of 26.75.
Rwanda closely follows Kenya, scoring 19.85, Uganda and Ethiopia hold positions three and four, respectively, with scores of 19.4 and 18.25. Tanzania secured fifth position with a score of 17.75. Sudan, DRC, and Somalia occupy the sixth, seventh, and eighth positions, with scores of 16.5, 15.95, and 10.05, respectively. Burundi and South Sudan hold the bottom two positions, with scores of 9.25 and 7.6, respectively.
In Kenya, the study points out data breaches, online scams, and malware attacks posing significant risks, particularly for individuals with limited cybersecurity awareness.
Limited internet access, lack of affordable devices, and lower digital literacy were also discovered as the other challenges affecting Kenya’s youth digital readiness, hindering rural populations from reaping the benefits of digital solutions.
“While Kenya invests in digital skills development, the demand for skilled IT professionals often outpaces the supply. The existing skills gap hampers innovation, limits the uptake of advanced technologies, and hinders the full potential of the digital economy.”
In Kenya, data costs, smartphone prices, and internet subscriptions can also strain household budgets, limiting inclusivity and participation in the digital economy by the youth.
Uganda’s focus on cybercrime awareness and legislation is commendable, but implementation lags behind. Weak cybersecurity infrastructure, limited technical expertise, and potential gaps in legal enforcement mechanisms leave individuals and businesses vulnerable to online threats.
In Tanzania, there is a lack of robust cybersecurity infrastructure and awareness, leaving online transactions and data vulnerable to cyberattacks.
“Lack of robust cybersecurity infrastructure and awareness leaves government services, businesses, and individuals vulnerable to cyberattacks, compromising data security and hindering trust in online platforms,” the report noted about Sudan.
The study recommended investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, awareness through outreach campaigns, and collaboration with international partners to combat cyber threats.
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