(3 Minutes Read)
Cybercrime has rapidly evolved into one of Africa’s most pressing economic and security challenges. The continent now records the highest global surge in cyberattacks per organization, with estimated financial losses reaching nearly 10% of Africa’s total GDP. According to Interpol’s 2025 Cyber Threat Assessment Report, several African nations witnessed an alarming 3,000% spike in reported scam alerts in 2024, underscoring the accelerating pace of digital threats across the region.
Against this backdrop, personal data protection and cybersecurity have become matters of strategic importance. It is within this urgent context that the second edition of DPO Expert Day (XDPO 2025) convened in Côte d’Ivoire, gathering a diverse community of data protection officers (DPOs), cybersecurity professionals, and digital policy experts. The central theme of this year’s event — “Data Breaches, Leaks, Theft, or Loss: The Role and Responsibilities of DPOs” — reflected the growing recognition of DPOs as critical defenders of organizational data integrity and trust.
Cybercrime now represents over 30% of all reported criminal cases in West and East Africa, a statistic that highlights the urgent necessity for stronger data governance and protection frameworks within businesses, governments, and institutions. XDPO 2025 emerged as a proactive initiative to address these challenges by training digital professionals, fostering collaboration among key industry players, and equipping organizations with the tools and strategies needed to prevent, detect, and respond to data breaches and cyber incidents effectively.
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There have already been notable victories in the ongoing battle against cyber threats. In August 2025, Interpol announced the successful arrest of 1,209 suspects and the seizure of nearly $100 million during a coordinated international operation targeting cybercrime networks involved in inheritance scams and illegal cryptocurrency mining. These achievements illustrate that progress is possible — but they also reinforce the necessity for continued vigilance, robust digital ethics, and a collective commitment to building a safer cyberspace across Africa.
In essence, XDPO 2025 stands as a testament to Africa’s growing resolve to protect its digital future — by empowering experts, strengthening laws, and nurturing a culture of responsibility in the information age.