Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

In April, two of Britain’s biggest retailers got hit by a massive cyberattack by the notorious Scattered Spider group, leading to substantial financial losses, operational disruptions and compromised customer data (http://apo-opa.co/40O1faD). M&S suffered losses of £300 million (http://apo-opa.co/40O1gLJ) (roughly R7.3 billion) due to the attack, with supply chains affected for weeks. On top of the direct losses, over £1 billion was stripped from the organisation’s market value (http://apo-opa.co/4lPmMb3). Similarly, the Co-op experienced data breaches (http://apo-opa.co/4524lud) affecting customers’ personal information, while Harrods reported attempted cyberattacks (http://apo-opa.co/3GIeSl3), but managed to maintain online operations.

“These attacks aren’t just about stolen data,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “They took whole systems offline.

“In retail, downtime is a critical threat – it affects sales, customer trust, and brand loyalty, instantly.”

A new kind of threat actor

Unlike traditional ransomware gangs, Scattered Spider is decentralised, native English-speaking, and highly adaptive. “Scattered Spider aren’t mere opportunistic hackers,” explains Collard. “They operate more like well-funded, well-organised crime syndicates.”

With some members as young as 19, they coordinate their activities on platforms like Discord and Telegram. “They’re agile, patient and disturbingly good at blending in,” she says. Added to this, they have great expertise in human psychology, as showcased during their attacks on Las Vegas casinos in 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4nPvtnM).

Their primary weapons, therefore, aren’t just digital – they’re human. “They’ve mastered social engineering,” says Collard. “They specialise in exploiting human trust. From vishing (voice phishing) to impersonating internal staff and triggering what’s referred to as ‘MFA fatigue’; they’re skilled manipulators who understand both systems and people.”

MFA fatigue is one of the growing tactics they’re known for which involves triggering repeated multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompts, hoping the bombarded employees eventually click “approve” just to make the interruptions stop.

“Legacy systems, shadow IT, and poorly enforced policies create entry points. Attackers don’t need to break in if they can just log in.”

Another alleged tactic Scattered Spider used in its latest attacks involved calling IT helpdesks to reset credentials, gaining access to their target’s infrastructure and subsequently deploying a ransomware-as-a-service tool. The outcome? Encrypted systems, stalled operations, and a long road to recovery.

Why Africa should be paying close attention

Retailers across Africa – particularly in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya – are digitally transforming at a rapid pace. Cloud-based POS systems, centralised inventory platforms, and data-driven loyalty programmes are now standard. But these digital advancements also expand attack surfaces.

High employee turnover, remote workforces, and under-resourced helpdesks can compound exposure. And while business English is common in South Africa, this linguistic advantage also makes local teams more susceptible to social engineering by fluent English-speaking attackers.

“Our local executives aren’t naïve,” Collard notes. “Many are acutely aware of the risks. What’s needed now is clarity on what really matters – and cutting through the noise.”

Pepkor IT’s CISO, Duncan Rae, delivered an insightful talk at the ITWeb Security Summit in May where he warned that cybersecurity teams are often overwhelmed – not just by threats, but by too many competing priorities. Teams are bombarded with shiny, new tools and threat reports spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) which sometimes makes organisations lose sight of the basics, he warned.

“These basics include managing human risk, addressing third-party exposure, and hardening vulnerabilities,” according to Rae.

What needs to change?

Collard points to gaps in access controls, third-party risk management, and cloud security as common weaknesses – not just in the UK, but globally. “Legacy systems, shadow IT, and poorly enforced policies create entry points,” she warns. “Attackers don’t need to break in if they can just log in.”

For African retail leaders, this is a call to fortify the human layer.

“Train your frontline teams, especially in helpdesk and customer support. Teach them to detect manipulation. Make secure behaviour the norm – not the exception.”

Equally important, she says, is embedding cybersecurity into leadership conversations. “Cybersecurity is not just an IT function. It’s a board-level business risk.

“Executives must ask tough questions about readiness, incident response, and accountability.”

From awareness to action

Too often, security training is treated as a box-ticking exercise. Collard urges a more thoughtful approach: “Training must resonate. It should be contextual, culturally relevant, and delivered in local languages where appropriate.”

She challenges business leaders with the following:

• Could an attacker trick your helpdesk into a password reset?
• Would your staff recognise a social engineering attempt?
• Do you test these scenarios regularly?

“If the answer is ‘no’ to any of these, your organisation is vulnerable,” Collard says. “But the good news is that change is possible – and fast – when you start investing in the human element.”

“Cyber resilience is a collective responsibility,” she concludes. “And in an interconnected world, learning from each other’s crises is one of the smartest defences we have.”

– on behalf of KnowBe4.

Contact details:
KnowBe4:
Anne Dolinschek 
anned@knowbe4.com

Red Ribbon:
TJ Coenraad 
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za

Source: APO – Report:

The 7th edition of the Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) (https://StrengthenFamily.org/) 2025 unfolded in Freetown as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and collaborators joined government leaders, faith communities, and civil society to champion women’s empowerment and child protection across Sierra Leone. The two-day conference officially opened on Thursday, June 26 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre under the theme ‘Building Stronger Communities through Women Empowerment and Child Protection’.

Delivering the keynote address on the first day, Her Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, stated that the conference presented a unique platform to drive lasting change and consequently challenged stakeholders to turn dialogue into action. “Let me use this as a call to us all to not let this be just a conference. Let us use this platform to design policies that will make women change-makers in our society,” she urged.

She emphasized that promoting women’s empowerment should not be reduced to tokenism, as genuinely empowering women has tangible and far-reaching effects. “Women are agents of transformation. They build up the families, and our families are what build up our society,” the First Lady added.

Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Isaac K. Morrison, General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, echoed this conviction, highlighting the role of women in the home and across various facets of society. “Women create harmonious and resilient communities. We need more women of virtue, purity, and empowerment, and this begins with the family,” he said.

Other dignitaries reinforced the shared mission. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, President of the Inter-Religious Council, described empowerment as a spiritual responsibility, and consequently, must be spearheaded by religious institutions. “Religious institutions must champion gender equality and child welfare,” he noted.

Traditional leader Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III similarly said, “It is in our homes, towns, and villages that true transformation must begin. When women are given a seat at the table, nations prosper.”

Goodwill messages came from Ambassador Bob Sheriff of Liberia and Amir Musa Mewa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, in a show of regional solidarity. The first day also featured an exhibition showcasing solutions in family welfare, women’s advancement, and child protection, along with a panel discussion led by Madam Isatu Jabbie Kabbah and Aminata Turay exploring policy and grassroots strategies.

Child protection at the heart of resilient communities

The second day of the conference turned the spotlight to child protection as the cornerstone of strong families.

Delivering the keynote, Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, underscored the benefits of dedicated care for the young. “Children are shaped by their experiences; hence, families must create a conducive environment that contributes not just to their physical well-being but to their emotional and spiritual health,” he added. He further stressed the power of love over fear in raising children.

Sheik Ibrahim Barrie, a respected religious and political leader, reiterated the role of women’s empowerment in Islamic teachings. “Empowering women is not just a moral obligation; it is a necessity for the progress of our communities,” he noted. Young gender activist Grace Ada Brown moved the audience with her personal testimony, adding that the strength of a nation depends on the strength of families. “When families are strong, communities thrive,” she said.

Speakers such as Tonya Waite of Protect Child Health Coalition–USA, Jennifer Hogge Ellsworth of Engage Now Africa, and Sharon and Greg Slater of Family Watch International offered practical strategies for safeguarding children’s well-being. Panelists Daniel F. H. Kettor, Blessing Kutubu, and Christiana Ogbemoye Oliko shared insights on regional collaboration and community-based support systems. “Protecting children starts with building trust between families and the institutions designed to help them,” Mr. Kettor said.

Safe house for gender-based violence victims

In a landmark announcement, Elder Kyungu, revealed plans to build a 54-bed safe house in partnership with the office of the First Lady. “This facility will not only provide shelter but also counseling sessions to help survivors regain their footing in society.” The closing ceremony concluded with awards recognizing the First Lady’s leadership, including honors from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Social Welfare Department, and the Government of Liberia.

ICU renovation and donation underscore commitment to health

Ahead of the conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commissioned a comprehensive renovation of the Intensive Care Units at Connaught Hospital, the nation’s main healthcare facility. Elder Isaac Morrison described the project as faith in action. “This project represents our deep commitment to alleviating burdens and bringing hope to communities around the world.”

Acting Minister of Health, Professor Dr. Charles Senessie, highlighted the alignment between this initiative and national goals. “The collaboration between the Church and the government is vital for improving health outcomes in Sierra Leone,” he noted.

Hospital leaders called the upgrades for changing life. “This is not just an upgrade; it is a lifeline,” Dr. Ibrahim Kapuwa, Hospital Care Manager said. The donation included ICU beds, defibrillators, vital sign monitors, and other critical equipment, reinforcing the message that healthy families are the foundation of strong nations. As the 7th Strengthening Families Conference concluded, one message resonated clearly: Empowering women, protecting children, and investing in health are inseparable pillars of a thriving, resilient Sierra Leone.

Outlook and future conference

The conference is scheduled to next go to Monrovia, Liberia in June, 2026. All stakeholders are looking forward to Liberia hosting a successful event.

– on behalf of Strengthening Families Conference (SFC).

Additional Link: https://apo-opa.co/44RCsUA

Source: APO – Report:

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Nearly 27 months have passed since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a former ally, the paramilitary Rapid Security Forces (RSF), creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

The UN voiced grave alarm over escalating hostilities in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur state. 

Serious risk of renewed violence

Large numbers of RSF fighters reportedly entered the city on Friday for the first time since the siege began over a year ago.

Local sources report that recent fierce fighting, particularly in the southwest and east of El Fasher, has led to civilian casualties.

“The situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable, with a serious risk of renewed violence, as well as further displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations – which are already under severe strain,” OCHA said.

Insecurity in North Kordofan state

Meanwhile, in North Kordofan State, growing insecurity forced 3,400 people to flee their homes over the weekend, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM). 

Local reports indicate that at least 18 civilians were killed, and homes were burned in several villages.

OCHA reminded all parties that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and that civilians must be protected at all times.

Rainy season constraints

Meanwhile, heavy rains have been reported in West and Central Darfur states, which may affect road conditions in some locations and worsen the challenges humanitarians are already facing in accessing people in need.

“With the rainy season continuing through October, the risk of floods, access constraints and disease outbreaks is growing – especially during this critical lean season, a time between harvests when food stocks traditionally run low,” OCHA warned.

Families return to West Darfur

The agency said that despite the crisis, signs of small-scale returns are visible in West Darfur state, where displaced families have been returning from Chad to three localities – Sirba, Jebel Moon and Kulbus – to cultivate their farms. 

Furthermore, local authorities report about 40 people returning daily to Kulbus, with 300 arriving over the past week.

OCHA urged all parties to enable safe and unimpeded access to all people in need across Sudan, and for donors to step up their support.

Some 30 million people nationwide – more than half the population – need vital aid and protection this year. 

– on behalf of United Nations (UN).

Source: APO

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At the opening of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), called for urgent action to bridge global financing gaps and support innovation systems that work for all.

“Digital tools and mission-driven science can accelerate SDGs delivery, but only if systems are inclusive and backed by real financing at scale,” he said, moderating a high-level Townhall session on SDGs implementation as part of ECA’s coordinating role among the UN Regional Commissions.

The session, titled Unlocking the Means of Implementation: Finance, Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs, focused on how to move from global commitments to tangible solutions. It brought together leaders from public and private sectors to examine how capital flows, technology, and policy can better support sustainable development.

With participation from Sanda Ojiambo, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact; Robbert Dijkgraaf, President-Elect of the International Science Council; and Robert Kirkpatrick, Chairman of the Board of the United Cities Foundation, the conversation highlighted the urgency of scaling investment, adopting alternative financing models, and building inclusive systems.

Together, the panel stressed the importance of translating innovation into real-world results, especially across Africa and other regions facing deep development disparities.

Speaking at another session on poverty eradication, Mr Gatete highlighted the need to ground policy and investment in sharper, more integrated data systems.

“We can’t end poverty if we can’t measure it accurately,” he said at the event hosted by the Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the UN, UNDP, the Multidimensional Poverty Peer Network (MPPN), and other partners. “It’s time to shift from measuring what’s convenient to measuring what matters.”

Mr Gatete pointed to ECA’s development of a prototype Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) dashboard for African countries. The platform links spatial poverty data with climate vulnerability, migration flows, peace and security trends, and subnational budget execution, providing governments with a more complete picture of where to direct resources and improve social protection.

As the forum continues, Mr Gatete and ECA are keeping Africa’s priorities on the table, advocating for fairer finance, smarter tools, and a more inclusive path to 2030.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Source: APO

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“Africa’s call for reparative justice is no longer a whisper—it is a unified demand grounded in historical truth, moral clarity and our unwavering commitment to dignity. As we implement the 2025 Theme of the Year on Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through reparations, we reaffirm our shared resolve to correct historical wrongs and injustices through restitution, healing and holistic systemic transformation.”

This powerful declaration was made by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana and the African Union Champion for Reparations, as he delivered a progress report in Malabo on the AU’s 2025 Theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

Addressing the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, President Mahama stated that notable progress has been achieved by the AU Commission and Member States in implementing the theme.

He expressed particular satisfaction with the recent decision by the Executive Council to extend the focus on reparations for a decade, covering the period from 2026 to 2036.

“This undoubtedly affords us, as a Union, the opportunity to sustain the momentum for the realisation of this noble cause, as well as map out well-thought-out strategies to mobilise adequate resources to champion implementation of the theme domestically,” President Mahama stated.

President Mahama issued a call for global partnership, saying, “We call upon all nations, within and beyond Africa, to partner with us in shaping a more just and equitable world for the sons and daughters of the motherland.”

The former Ghanaian President noted the deep connection between reparations and African identity and dignity.

“Restitution to the African, therefore, is restoration of our full human dignity,” he stated, adding that the movement aims “to speak of history on African terms, of healing deep civilisational wounds and of restoring to African peoples our rightful agency in shaping our past, present and future.”

He underscored the necessity of reparations for African progress and unity, arguing, “We cannot speak of development without identity or speak of unity without acknowledging the erasure that has fractured our heritage.”

President Mahama stressed the importance of a unified African narrative on the global stage and encouraged robust partnerships, particularly with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Looking ahead, he announced that Ghana and Togo will co-sponsor a high-level event in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025 “to further bolster efforts at achieving the justice and closure which has eluded us for centuries.”

“As we do more to correct historical wrongs, we are reasserting our full humanity. We are reaffirming our sovereignty. We are reigniting the flame of dignity that has always burned within the African soul,” assuring the Union of Ghana’s continued support for this agenda towards “The Africa We Want.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs representing the Government of Liberia signed the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG) The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 47th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Liberia, Assistant Minister for Afro-Asian Affairs, Honorable Charlyne A. Taylor, who signed the Convention, reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to advancing the women, peace and security agenda in Africa.

She noted that Liberia will continue to work with the African Union and all partners in implementing the Convention to protect and empower women and girl’s rights.

Minister Taylor praised the African Union and affiliated organizations for their work in protecting women and girls, and promised that Liberia will accelerate the process of ratifying the convention given that Convention aligns well with the agenda of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. who has made women empowerment and protection of women and girls a key program of his government.

The Vice Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Honorable Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, commended Liberia for the bold step and praised Liberia for its impressive record in promoting and protecting women’s rights, well as enhancing women’s participation in government and the economy.

She noted that Liberia is the fifth African country to sign the convention but encouraged Liberia to lead in the ratification process.

Also attending the ceremony were Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration; Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, the African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security; and Her Excellency Doris Mpoumou, UNWOMEN Special Representative to the African Union Commission and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.