The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has unveiled its Medium-Term Strategic Plan for 2021-2025, outlining key initiatives aimed at bolstering cybersecurity and advancing digital infrastructure across the region. These initiatives are poised to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and enhance competitiveness within the COMESA member states.
One of the primary focal points of the strategic plan is the promotion of cybersecurity capacity building initiatives and awareness campaigns. COMESA intends to establish a regional cybersecurity center to facilitate capacity building and information exchange among member states. The center, which will be hosted by Rwanda, is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and response mechanisms across the region.
Additionally, COMESA aims to enhance ICT governance and create an enabling environment for secure and cost-effective ICT services. This involves the development and review of regional policies and regulatory frameworks to promote competition and improve access to ICT services. Key areas of focus include universal access, e-commerce, investment promotion, and interconnection.
Moreover, the strategic plan highlights the establishment of the Association of Regulators of Information and Communications for Eastern and Southern Africa (ARICEA) Secretariat, which will be jointly hosted by Rwanda along with the Regional Cybersecurity Centre. This initiative aims to support the establishment of the secretariat and facilitate the recruitment of staff to oversee regulatory activities in the ICT sector.
Another pivotal aspect of the plan is the promotion of digital infrastructure development to support various industries and sectors. COMESA recognizes the transformative potential of digital infrastructure in areas such as smart cities, mobility, energy grids, and healthcare. By creating an enabling environment for digital infrastructure investments, COMESA seeks to harness the benefits of digitalization and drive economic growth across member states.
Furthermore, the strategic plan emphasizes the importance of capacity building and awareness programs to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape effectively. These initiatives will be carried out continuously to ensure that stakeholders are well-informed and equipped to address emerging cybersecurity challenges and leverage digital opportunities.
