Strengthening Africa's Operational Technology Security at GITEX Africa 2025

Wednesday 16 April 2025 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Strengthening Africa's Operational Technology Security at GITEX Africa 2025

Leaders from various sectors convened at GITEX Africa 2025 for a pivotal discussion on the necessity of enhancing operational technology (OT) security as Africa accelerates its digital industrialization.

The panel, titled “Building Digital Resilience: The Future of OT Security in Africa’s Growth Story,” brought together cybersecurity experts and digital transformation leaders to explore protective measures for the continent's expanding critical infrastructure.

Ashraf Aboukass, head of cybersecurity at Confidential in Qatar, emphasized the seismic shift in how African nations address industrial security. He highlighted that the persistent divide between IT and OT professionals creates vulnerabilities that malicious actors are eager to exploit.

Aboukass discussed the frequent disconnect between IT and OT teams, which hampers effective collaboration. "OT professionals pride themselves on their expertise in managing critical parameters such as temperature, humidity, and rail speeds. Their focus is on operational safety—ensuring trains do not derail and that infrastructure functions optimally," he stated.

The challenge, according to the panelists, involves safeguarding legacy systems that were not designed with cybersecurity in mind. "These systems were built 30 to 40 years ago," Aboukass noted. "Applying contemporary security solutions to such outdated frameworks presents unique technical and operational challenges."

The historical evolution of cybersecurity was also highlighted, with Aboukass observing that the field has emerged dramatically over the past 25 years, with OT security itself gaining prominence only in the last 15 years.

Fatima Zohra El Ouerkhaoui, Chief Information and Digital Officer at ONCF, explained the essential differences between IT and OT security goals. “While IT security is focused on protecting data and digitized processes, OT security is fundamentally concerned with safety—protecting human lives within industrial systems,” she said.

With Africa’s OT cybersecurity market projected to reach a valuation of $5.33 billion by 2031, the discussion turned to the complexities of implementing modern security tools such as Network Detection and Response (NDR) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) in critical infrastructure settings.

"In OT environments, the stakes are fundamentally different—disruptions can lead to severe real-world consequences," Aboukass explained.

The panelists noted Africa's unique position in the global industrial landscape, suggesting that the continent has significant opportunities to integrate security considerations into its digital infrastructure from the outset. This proactive approach could help avoid the cybersecurity challenges faced by other regions.

The consensus was clear: as Africa continues its rapid growth, fostering digital resilience in industrial and critical infrastructure systems is vital for sustainable development and economic stability.

El Ouerkhaoui asserted, "We must bridge the gap between IT and OT security strategies. Africa’s industrial future hinges on our ability to protect not only data but also the physical systems that drive our economies and safeguard public safety."

In a compelling conclusion, Aboukass offered critical advice for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in Africa. "While technical skills are crucial for getting your foot in the door, they are not sufficient," he stressed. Future professionals should also cultivate soft skills, as effective communication, stakeholder influence, and relationship-building are essential in this evolving field.

GITEX Africa 2025, the continent’s largest technology exhibition and conference, will continue through April 16 in Marrakech.