Internet blackout an attack on Africa’s trade, democracy - Management expert

Donald Agumenu, a leadership and management expert, has described the internet blackout experienced in parts of the African continent as a suspicious threat to its trade and democracy.

He said it was unfortunate that major trading blocs in Africa were hit by the cyber storm, disrupting trading activities.

Dr. Agumenu said it was also worrying that it occurred when some countries were preparing for elections.

He said the excuse for an undersea cable disruption should not be taken lightly, saying there was more to it from a geo-cyberpolitical perspective that needed to be explored to its logical conclusion.

“Africa may experience a more complex internet and cyber warfare if the techno-revolutionary narrative remains the same. What is more worrying is the level of vulnerability it brings to a continent with over half a billion people online.”

“We need to wake up to the fact that the era of ICT and digital transformation has ushered in a new community with its own complexities and that we need to manage this paradigm shift with the utmost care to stay afloat in global affairs,” he cautioned.

In a news brief, Dr. Agumenu said the continent may experience a more complex internet and cyber warfare if its techno-revolutionary narrative remains the same.

He said any continent or country that did not have absolute control over its cyber and internet architecture was exposed to serious security threats with devastating consequences.

“Our independence will be meaningless if our cyber security is controlled by others. This affects not only public and private business but also our dignity and privacy as a people,” he added.

Dr. Agumenu said as Ghana prepares for a historic election in less than a year, the issue must be given top priority to protect the sovereign will of the people and deepen its democracy.

He stressed that innovations should be prioritised along with transparency to track free and fair elections, especially at a time when the widespread instability of the power supply was imminent.