In a world increasingly flooded with cyber threats, the need for robust and collaborative cybersecurity measures has never been more pressing. At the recent Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) in Geneva, Microsoft announced our Advancing Regional Cybersecurity (ARC) Initiative—designed to strengthen regional cybersecurity preparedness, resilience, and coordination. As part of this launch, we’re proud to announce our partnership with Kenya’s National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4) to advance this effort.
Africa’s rapid digital transformation
The ARC Initiative reflects the multistakeholder commitments of the Accra Callsigned in Ghana at the inaugural GC3B in 2023. The Accra Call recognized that the Global South’s rapid digital transformation presents immense opportunities but also exposes organizations and individuals to escalating cyber threats. We have seen significant cybersecurity incidents in Africa that highlight the need for robust cybersecurity measures. In December 2024, a regional small enterprise authority experienced a data breach, resulting in the exposure of sensitive information on the dark web. In the same month, a state-owned telecom company experienced a ransomware attack that compromised and exposed sensitive customer data. These incidents underscore the rising threats against the continent and the necessity for collaborative efforts to enhance cyber readiness.
Microsoft has long stood for cybersecurity for all
Microsoft has a longstanding commitment to strengthening cybersecurity globally and ensuring that capacity building benefits everyone. For three years, the CyberPeace Institutein collaboration with Microsoft, has deployed services and tools to bolster the digital resilience of civil society . This partnership has shielded organizations from cyber threats while promoting scalable and sustainable solutions for digital defense. Microsoft recently renewed our partnership with the CyberPeace Institute to continue protecting those most vulnerable from cyber harm and to introduce strategic funding support to advance long-term cyber resilience. Together, we strive to empower civil society organizations with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure necessary to navigate an increasingly complex cyber landscape and withstand growing threats.
This renewed partnership and the ARC initiative follow previous efforts— for example, our cybersecurity skilling initiatives, onboarding NC4 onto our threat and vulnerability management system: Microsoft Government Security Program (GSP), publishing Cybersecurity and Sustainable Development: A Global Path Forward—a compendium of recommendations on fostering cyber resiliency alongside digital growth, and the launch of the GitHub Secure Open Source Funda program designed to financially and programmatically improve the security and sustainability of open source projects—all focused on creating a secure and resilient digital ecosystem for all.
The ARC Initiative
The ARC Initiative and our partnership with NC4 will bolster incident response and recovery efforts through a strong emphasis on collaboration and shared expertise. This initiative will:
Identify and assess Kenya’s cybersecurity priorities through a roundtable that fosters open dialogue and shared understanding among key stakeholders.
Strengthen Kenya’s cyber readiness through collaboration with NC4 and other key stakeholders through a tabletop exercise aimed at strengthening collective preparedness—simulating a realistic cyber incident and stress-testing coordination.
Leverage Insights from these activities to create a practical toolkit designed to guide future planning, collaboration, and capacity-building efforts
A strategic vision: looking beyond Kenya
Kenya’s advanced approach to cybersecurity, underpinned by NC4’s strategic vision and execution, has positioned the country as a regional model for cybersecurity and innovation. The toolkit we develop together will not only help bolster Kenya’s cyber capacity but will also have tools and lessons learned that can be applied across the continent and beyond. Together, we aim to not only uplift Kenya’s capabilities but also pave the way for a regional network of excellence and cooperation—something that we hope will ultimately benefit the cybersecurity of Africa and the world.
Microsoft envisions the ARC Initiative’s success in Kenya as a catalyst for broader expansion and collaboration across the Global South. By fostering partnerships and tailoring cybersecurity solutions, we hope to replicate the ARC model in other regions, empowering governments to enhance their cyber readiness and elevating their voices across global cybersecurity dialogues and negotiations. Nations eager to advance their cybersecurity capacity are encouraged to join hands with us in developing ARC initiatives uniquely suited to their challenges and aspirations.
Through the ARC Initiative and our growing partnership with NC4, Microsoft reaffirms its dedication to advancing regional cybersecurity and fostering collaboration across borders. As Africa continues its dynamic digital evolution, initiatives like these not only address immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for sustainable, long-term resilience against cyber threats. Together, we can build a safer, more interconnected future, empowering nations and communities to thrive in the digital age.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings